Neni wins Rep. Kilili Sablan’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Northern Mariana Islands’ At-Large District

When asked what inspired the creation of Neni, the students said, “Within recent years, the ability to fluently speak, read, write, and understand the CHamorro language has dramatically declined in the CNMI. This decline has become a significant issue, especially from a cultural heritage perspective. As a team, we were deeply saddened by the steady erosion of such an important part of Pacific Islander identity. We wanted to find a solution, or at least spark a change, particularly among the younger generation who represent the future of our culture.

One of the biggest challenges we identified is the lack of accessible and engaging learning resources for CHamorro. Current options are limited to vocal lessons from elders, one or two basic optional courses in schools, and complex textbooks, none of which cater to modern learners or spark excitement for the language. After conducting research and talking to local teachers, we realized there was a need for a fresh, interactive approach that would make learning CHamorro fun and easy to access.

This led to the creation of Neni, which means “baby” in CHamorro. We see this app as the baby steps needed to address the decline of CHamorro fluency among Pacific Islanders. By targeting young children, we hope to inspire early exposure to the language, encouraging them to take an active role in preserving their heritage. The app is also designed for anyone, of any age, who wants to learn CHamorro but doesn’t know where to start. We wanted to ensure that Neni would be a tool that can be used anytime, anywhere, making the language accessible beyond traditional classroom settings.

Through interactive flashcards, matching games, and songs, we aim to create a bridge between the younger generation and the CHamorro language. Our goal is not only to halt the negative trend but to spark a revival of CHamorro and to ensure that it can be passed down to future generations. We believe that by planting these early seeds, we can contribute to a cultural resurgence and foster pride and fluency in CHamorro for years to come.”