Hoʻokahua Cultural Vibrancy staff members Keʻala Kwan and Keoni Kelekolio have one key word of advice for their Kamehameha Schools colleagues who are registering for their first ʻŌlelo Kahua Hawaiian Language Foundations class: relax.
Or, as one might say in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, “mai hopohopo.”
Registration is currently underway for the monthly classes which will begin in September.
“We’ve had a few calls from staff members who are a little anxious about what these classes will entail,” said Kelekolio, Hoʻokahua’s director of Hawaiian Language Advancement and a former Hawaiian language professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
“But staff members should know that these are introductory classes that are designed to be low-anxiety and fun. We want the sessions to feel relaxed, comfortable and full of aloha. It’s going to be a safe environment for learners.”
Staffers should also know that the classes will not have tests, they will not be graded, and that immediate fluency in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is not the goal. Successful completion of the program will be determined by participation, and staff will be evaluated as part of their regular yearly performance evaluations.
“We want our staff members to experience and feel the aloha that is at the core of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian culture, and enjoy what they learn, by using it at work and at home,” said Kwan, Hoʻokahua’s director of Hawaiian Cultural Development and a former longtime language kumu at KS Kapālama.
“Through carefully crafted lessons and engaging activities, specifically designed for the adult learner, staff will learn useful and practical Hawaiian phrases, how to introduce themselves in Hawaiian, correct pronunciation, vocabulary, and learning resources to access outside of class.
“We need to give our very best as we serve our colleagues, whom we aloha and respect, when they attend these classes. Like ʻohana who visit our home, you will feel welcomed, appreciated, and loved – all while learning in a safe, comfortable and warm environment.”
There are a total of nine units and themes which will be covered during the fiscal year. By June 2016, participants will have learned over 70 words, five sentence patterns, and relevant cultural information to enable elementary-level language use, defined as occasional use of Hawaiian names, terms and simple phrases.
The language class initiative supports Goal 3 (Native Hawaiian identity) of SP2020 and specifically Action 5 of the Ten Actions for 2015-2016, which seeks to normalize ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi throughout Kamehameha Schools.
In essence, the classes represent a professional and cultural development opportunity for staff and a major signal that Kamehameha Schools is indeed committed to its Native Hawaiian identity as a Hawaiian organization.
“Most organizations do some staff development, but I don’t think any organization has attempted to do this kind of cultural training, at least not on this scale – 2,000 employees, over five years – it’s a first and a landmark program,” Kelekolio said.
“This initiative says a lot about Kamehameha Schools. It’s a big step toward realizing Kula Hawaiʻi and toward becoming that high performing Native Hawaiian organization that we’ve been envisioning through our strategic planning efforts.”
Kwan extended a sincere mahalo nui loa to the Kamehameha leaders who made the decision to move forward with the language classes for all staff members. “E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi - the Hawaiian language lives!” he said.
“We are all part of a historic milestone in Kamehameha’s history. Never before have we, as an organization, taken this kind of bold action in our commitment to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Nohona Hawaiʻi – which is part of our mission and pillars for a thriving Lāhui.
“No matter what part of Kamehameha Schools you are serving in, this is an opportunity that connects all of us – kākou – and brings us together in learning the ʻōlelo of Pauahi, her great-grandfather, our namesake, Kamehameha, our ʻāina Hawaiʻi and our Lāhui. It is an inclusive journey that is positive, empowering and will have far-reaching impact.”
For more on the ʻŌlelo Kahua, please visit the program’s registration site.
Photo by KS Visual Communications Specialist Ed Subia.
ʻŌlelo Kahua participation
Is the training mandatory?
Yes. Some staff are being asked to begin the training this year, FY2015-16. Others will roll out next year.
Am I part of the group attending this year? Do I need to sign up now?
This year’s group is made up of all regular (full and part time) and limited term staff members that are based at Kawaiahaʻo Plaza or other non-campus sites. Check with your supervisor if you are unclear about participation by your group. More details to follow.
Will the ʻŌlelo Kahua program figure into Success Factors performance evaluations?
Yes. Specific information will be made available as groups go through the goal setting process. For individuals, the measure is attendance, so make sure you sign up for and attend all of the nine monthly trainings.
For more on the ʻŌlelo Kahua, please visit the program’s registration site.
We need to give our very best as we serve our colleagues, whom we aloha and respect, when they attend these classes. Like ʻohana who visit our home, you will feel welcomed, appreciated, and loved – all while learning in a safe, comfortable and warm environment.
Keʻala Kwan, KS Director of Hawaiian Cultural Development
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