Waterbear
Language Studio (WLS) and Earthbound Enterprises (EE) are twined as licensed
companies in the CNMI. The connection is
Jaime Vergara, (JV) current opinion columnist for the Saipan Tribune and erstwhile writer for the Marianas Variety who registered EE in the Marianas before joining
the CNMI PSS teaching staff at San Vicente Elementary School 2003-2008.
(WLS)
The
use of the images of the planet on the logos is intentional. We lovingly embrace earthrise consciousness
married to the demands of earthbound commitments.
The
contextual turn was articulated well by Astronaut Edgar Mitchell of Apollo 14:
(Earthrise)
"Suddenly, from behind the rim of the moon, in long slow motion
moments of immense majesty, there emerges a sparkling blue and white jewel, a
light, delicate sky blue sphere faced with slowly swirling veils of white,
rising gradually like a small pearl in a thick sea of black mystery. It takes more than a moment to fully realize
this is Earth . . . home."
The
learnings of Earthbound are derived from Vergara's engagement with the global
staff of the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) 1972-1986 that had some 2,500
volunteers in its roster to promote a highly participatory and comprehensive
approach to human development in every time zone around the world including 10
major locations in the Pacific. When the
center no longer could hold, the global network had enough wisdom to dissipate
into local and national offices.
There
are ICA-affiliated offices scattered around globally with a center in
Canada. Spin-offs going their own
creative and innovative ways are the programs of the
Realistic Living Institute,
Bonham, Texas,
a daily Journal Reflection, and the Ecozoic Center, North Carolina,
and the Way of the Warrior, Indiana.
The
Waterbear and the Earthbound rely heavily on the same tradition and relates
symbiotically to the mentioned offspring.
As
an oral English teacher at Shenyang Aerospace University (SAU) 2011-2014,
Vergara joined others who created the Waterbear Language Studio of Shenyang to
assist those taking standard University and Graduate education tests, heading
to English instructions outside of China, as well as provide language tutorial
for those who wish to simply speak English.
The sphere lines around the global orb symbolize the "network"
of learners.
The
current services provided in the CNMI and China combine the ecological concern
of the first and the linguistic teaching of the second.
(EE)
The
operation and management of the group is horizontally structured, faithful to
its own technology of participation.
There are no social structures to claim, or hierarchical strata to
climb, only clearly defined participant's role and facilitator's function.
Efficacy
of service is the defining context rather than the ascent upwards a pointed
pyramid. Getting a job done rather than
gathering brownie points is the focus.
An
"oral English language immersion tour" in Saipan is packaged. A 15-day journey from destination and return
for Chinese students is orchestrated. A
7-day version for tourists is a mainstay.
Zhongguoren residing in Saipan are also
targeted for oral English learning, along with children of foreign personnel at
the various island schools.
Individual
programs of language tutorials (only in English and Putunghua for now), and guided tours of Saipan are offered, in
conjunction with existing established services on island.
As
the globe is in the CNMI, WLS & EE relates to a worldwide network. A partial and expanding list of consulting
partners include -
In China:
(Alice) Feng Cai -
pedagogy
(Mariya) Ma He - English
translation
(Oliver Wang Zi Xu),
teaching
(Green) Wu Jia Wen -
Hangzhou
Zac Song Zhe -
Shenyang
(Richard) Zhang Kui -
Taiyuan
In the Philippines:
Bill & Aida
Granert - watershed
Pete & Mimi
Ocampo - CO/CD, NRM
Vic Quiton -
Community Development
In Saipan:
Ed Arriola - all-terrain
vehicles
Jun Dayao - graphics
and layout
Mirasol Dayao -
accounting
(Abi) Jiang Nan - scuba
Joe Kaipat - NM
islands
Janet King - CNMI law
(Avi) Liu Qui Xiang -
hospitality
(Cindy) Liu Xiaoyan -
physical therapy
(Chris) Liu Yunpeng -
tours
Gilbert Morales -
accounts
Lino Olopai - Refaluwasch Olomwaay
Mark Rabago - history
Jim Rayphand - disabilities
Jayvee Vallejera -
publishing
Jaime Vergara -
training
Zhang Jian Cai -
cuisine
In the United States:
Michi Atkinson -
ocean cruise, HI
Ben Ball - energy, TX
Lisa Cabahug -
biological research, SF
Lynda and John Cock -
reflective skills, NC
Kristina Campbell -
db management, NC
Susan Fertig - grant
writing, MD
Herman Greene -
ecozoic civilization, NC
Margaret-Beach
Hacking, literature, PA
Gordon Harper, quiet
intelligence, WA
Teresa Healy,
brokerage, CA
Jane Lee Eumi -
Korea-China-America, CA
Jailu and Jess
Navarrete - medical, HI
Let's Play Language
Waterbear Language Studio
Let's Romp on Planet Earth
Earthbound
Enterprises