SLIDESHOW: Ebeye and Majuro

School girls on Ebeye in the Marshall Islands.

Much of the population of Ebeye is under 18 years of age, and there are few employment opportunities

Homes are often little more than plywood and corrugated metal siding, making them susceptible to the region’s severe storms.

Deonaire Keju, a vice principal at an Ebeye elementary and middle school, with a teacher and her class. Keju says his school hopes to expand access to the Internet, but government funding is limited.

A school on Ebeye, one of many in Micronesia affiliated with a religious group.

One of the best things about Ebeye is the friendliness of the Marshallese youth.

Most schools require uniforms and these boys are no exception.

For many Marshallese, education offers a path to a better life. Many come to the U.S. to enroll in college.

Poverty is widespread in Ebeye, like this ocean-side abode where litter and debris pile up.

A girl on Ebeye has a happy moment playing with a broom.

Health concerns are a serious problem on Ebeye where sanitation is sometimes sketchy.

A goal of Disability Week on Ebeye, held annually in earlier December, is to reduce the stigma of the deaf and blind and others challenges.

The mayor of Ebeye, Johnny Lemari, is a guest of honor at the Disability Week ceremony.

An abandoned bus on Ebeye’s causeway.

A boy on his scooter on Ebeye. Parts of the Marshall Islands receive heavy rainfall.

There are active efforts to bring greater awareness of the importance of health to Marshallese. Diabetes, cancer, tuberculosis and even leprosy afflict many islanders.

Besides faith, family is at the core of Marshallese life.

The lagoon in Kwajalein, the largest coral atoll in the world. The Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, seen in the distance, is a primary reason why the U.S. wants to keep defensive control over the three Compact of Free Association nations.

A soldier at the U.S. military base on Kwajalein.

Tom Armbruster, the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with embassy staff on Majuro.

Dean Langinbelik, a member of the Rongelap Council, in Majuro in the Marshalls. He longs to return to Rongelap, but it remains too dangerous because of remaining contamination from nuclear testing.

Students at the College of the Marshall Islands on Majuro. There are only a few institutions of higher learning in Micronesia, so many come to the U.S. for college.

Assumption School, a Catholic school on Majuro.

Many Marshallese students are eager and ready to learn.

It’s likely that most Americans have never heard of Majuro, though it is a part of U.S. history.

Empty homes and abandoned structures are a familiar sight in much of Micronesia.

Jack Niedenthal, the Bikini liaison, in his Majuro office, holding a photo of one of the U.S. nuclear explosions in the atoll.

Colorful walls abound on the islands, and long, floral-print dresses are common attire that many Micronesians bring with them when they relocate to the U.S..

American popular culture is everywhere in Micronesia, like on this backpack.

Families are strong and tight-knit in Micronesia and multiple members often migrate together, even if it’s just to seek health care for an elderly parent in the U.S.

Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, a poet and professor at the College of the Marshall Islands on Majuro, has written about the threat of global warming to her islands and racism toward Micronesians in Hawaii.

Brian Kirk, a dive captain on Majuro, believes there is potential to grow the tourism industry. Ocean sports could prove an attraction.

Christianity is the popular religion in Micronesia.

Some graveyards built along the ocean are falling in the sea due to erosion and climate change.

Cemeteries are a resting place for the dead but also a playground for the young.

You won’t find luxury items on Majuro, but you will find what you need to meet most needs.

Giff Johnson, editor of the Marshall Islands Journal, has written extensively of the impact of nuclear testing on the Marshalls and the economic challenges — and possibilities — facing the region.

Copra was once the dominant crop in the Marshalls. Today, some are hoping to revive the industry.

The smiles of Marshallese kids come easily, once they become comfortable with strangers.

Majuro Lagoon is full of commercial boats, helped by a registry system that contributes several million dollars annually to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Andy Bill, a Bikinian living on Majuro, helps distribute government payments to his fellow islanders.

Isao Ekniang, executive Council member of Rongelap, on Majuro, wants to return to his home island. But high radiation levels in the soil prevent him.

Nerje Joseph was a child when a nuclear detonation on neighboring Bikini sent radioactive fallout to her home on Rongelap.

At low tide, Marshallese walk back and forth between Ejit island and Majuro island.