The Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru yan Fina’nå’guen i Historia yan Lina’la’ i Taotao Tåno’ has announced the launch of Kumisión Kids, a new animated sing-along video series that introduces CHamoru language through music, movement and storytelling. The first three videos will debut Oct. 3, in celebration of National Kids Music Day.
Drawn from Tiniroron Neni, the Kumisión’s collection of lullabies, chants and children’s songs, the series features the voices of local students. Organizers say the project highlights the cognitive and cultural benefits of learning language through music, from strengthening memory and early literacy skills to fostering cultural pride and identity. “Through Kumisión Kids, we are creating more joyful experiences where CHamoru lives in the everyday lives of our families,” said Piatra Tuncap, special projects coordinator and public information officer.
The program was developed in partnership with local schools, starting with Maga’låhen Hurao Charter Academy. Students recorded the vocals for the first episodes, giving young people the opportunity to engage with and celebrate their mother tongue. Future collaborations, including with Faneyåkan Sinipok, are planned to expand the series and bring more children into Guam’s CHamoru language revitalization movement.
All episodes will be publicly available on the Kumisión’s YouTube channel and through its Linktree social media hub. Future installments will feature new songs designed to strengthen CHamoru as a language of the home, classroom and community.