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Aloha meets aroha: Waimānalo preschoolers engage in cultural exchange with Māori kumu

Jan. 29, 2025

In a joyful celebration of shared heritage and cross-cultural connection, the haumāna of Kamehameha Preschools-Waimānalo welcomed the kumu of Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga from Aotearoa for a vibrant cultural exchange. This visit united kumu and keiki from across Moananuiākea through mele, moʻolelo and traditions. 

The exchange began with a lively performance by the visiting Māori immersion school teachers, who captivated the Waimānalo keiki with traditional songs and poi dances. In return, the haumāna shared mele honoring Ke Aliʻi Pauahi, whose immense vision has uplifted generations of Hawaiians. This reciprocal sharing highlighted similarities and unique aspects of each culture, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. 

“One of the many things we share is a love for ʻāina, a love for our people, and a love for our kūpuna. These guide our decisions to fulfill our kuleana,” said LaniRae Pedro, hope poʻo kumu for Kamehameha Schools Preschools. “Exposing our keiki to this exchange strengthens who they are, where they come from, and their kuleana to this place we love so dearly, Hawaiʻi.” 

Tauawhia Kira, a visiting Māori kumu, reflected, “It’s very important for the keiki to know where they came from. Holding on to what our ancestors have passed on is crucial as we move forward.” 

The exchange celebrated shared values such as love for the land and ancestral wisdom while highlighting parallels between Hawaiian and Māori experiences. Both communities are engaged in widespread cultural and language preservation movements, advancing social justice and inspiring future generations to carry these legacies forward. 

Cultural exchanges broaden keiki perspectives, develop empathy and deepen their understanding of the world.  

Kamehameha Schools Preschools is dedicated to nurturing ʻōiwi leaders who embody the values of aloha, kuleana and mālama. Opportunities like this exchange highlight the unique experiences that KSP provides, preparing keiki to contribute positively to the lāhui and a diverse, global society. 

“Indigenous people are everywhere,” said Ashley Kalaiwaʻa, a Waimānalo Preschool kumu who lived in Aotearoa and was immersed in the culture. “Our mele and the way we perform them may differ, but underlying all that, we are Indigenous people fighting injustices and striving to preserve our languages and traditions.” 

The exchange included action songs taught by the Māori group, encouraging the keiki to move and connect through laughter, rhythm and the joy of learning.

“Our keiki did a fantastic job sharing their identity with our Māori cousins,” Kalaiwaʻa noted. 

Kamehameha Schools Preschools offer enriching experiences rooted in Hawaiian culture-based education, fostering growth, connection, and leadership. Through engaging activities and meaningful exchanges like this, keiki build a strong cultural foundation and embrace aloha, kuleana, and mālama, preparing them to thrive as ʻōiwi leaders. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to provide your keiki with this empowering educational journey. Applications for next school year are open, with the deadline approaching on January 31. Enroll your keiki today and join the KSP ʻohana in nurturing a brighter future for our keiki and lāhui. 


TAGS
ks preschools,moananuiākea,native hawaiian identity,maori

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Ko’olau, Themes, Culture, Community, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Preschools, Preschools

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