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Kamehameha Preschools’ Lā Kūpuna: Nurturing relationships that connect generations

Oct. 7, 2024

In Hāmākua, Hawaiʻi, the cool air was filled with heartwarming aloha, as Hāmākua Preschool joined the wider network of Kamehameha Schools Preschools in celebrating Lā Kupuna  — a day dedicated to honoring the cherished bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. In a show of overwhelming aloha and support, 100 percent of the keiki welcomed their beloved kūpuna to celebrate the special day. Many keiki were blessed to have both sets of grandparents in attendance, making the occasion even more special as multiple generations gathered to share in this cherished long-standing KSP tradition.

Albert and Wanda Matute, grandparents of Remi Matute, flew in from Oʻahu to be a part of the special day. They shared, “We wanted to see our granddaughter among her fellow classmates, with the teachers and within the classroom. We very much wanted to participate in the activities of the special day, with other parents and grandparents. Most importantly, we wanted our granddaughter to feel that she has our support in her life.”

The celebration began with the keiki performing mele — songs of aloha, gratitude and pride for their Hawaiian culture — that touched the hearts of every kupuna present. Each keiki then presented their kupuna with a gift, art pieces crafted with their little hands as expressions of aloha and appreciation.

Grandparents Day at Kamehameha Preschools — Hāmākua was unforgettable. Kumu Lynn Higa said "We formed the largest multi-generation circle to bless our food and families. Seeing grandparents’ smiles got me all choked up. It really touched my heart."
Grandparents Day at Kamehameha Preschools — Hāmākua was unforgettable. Kumu Lynn Higa said "We formed the largest multi-generation circle to bless our food and families. Seeing grandparents’ smiles got me all choked up. It really touched my heart."

The day unfolded like a tender reunion, with keiki and their grandparents picnicking under the shade of the trees on the grounds of the kula. As they shared food and laughter, many kūpuna reminisced about the “good old days,” sharing stories of their own childhoods with their mo‘opuna. The day also saw relationships blossom, weaving the kūpuna and keiki into a closer, stronger bond.

Making memories: Keiki and kūpuna enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of Hāmākua Preschool on Lā Kūpuna.
Making memories: Keiki and kūpuna enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of Hāmākua Preschool on Lā Kūpuna.

Kumu Lisa Goeff said, “The most powerful part for me was listening to the stories the kūpuna shared.  Two grandfathers spoke of their work during the sugar plantation days, one being an electrician who worked in the building that now houses our preschool.  Another grandmother shared that she used to play at our preschool site because she was good friends with the daughter of the plantation luna and that her father had built koi ponds where our playground is.  Several kūpuna reflected on being classmates when they were young and how special it was to see their moʻopuna playing together.  There were so many chicken skin moments as I reflected on the past, present and our haumāna as the future.”

One of the most precious moments came when the keiki guided their kūpuna through their classrooms, proudly showing them where they learn, explore and grow each day. The tours were a beautiful conclusion to the day, allowing the kūpuna to witness firsthand the enriching environment their mo‘opuna experience every day.

The Hāmākua celebration was led by dedicated kumu and teaching assistants from the Pulelehua Classroom: Lead Kumu Lynn Higa, TA Jaycie Carvalho, and the Pueo Classroom: Lead Kumu Lisa Goff, TA Kathleen DeRego, and TA Jodee Lally-Kealoha.

“ʻOhana engagement activities, such as Lā Kūpuna, strengthen the pilina between ʻohana, keiki, and kumu, creating a powerful partnership in supporting each keiki's development and learning,” Hope Poʻo Kumu Tricia Bell said. “When families and educators come together with a shared vision, we can cultivate a supportive environment where keiki thrive and grow.”

Lā Kupuna is a reminder of the strength of ʻohana and the nurturing relationships that connect generations. At all Kamehameha Schools Preschools, from Hāmākua across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina , the spirit of this day resonates deeply, reminding us all that the bonds of ʻohana are the foundation upon which our keiki will grow to become the future ʻōiwi leaders of our lāhui.

Hōnaunau Lā Kūpuna Celebration (L-R) Kawea Kanuha-Berdon with her grandma and grandpa, Pulelehua Cariaga-Collins with her grandma and grandpa and Kyran Kaeo with his grandpa, grandma and mom.
Hōnaunau Lā Kūpuna Celebration (L-R) Kawea Kanuha-Berdon with her grandma and grandpa, Pulelehua Cariaga-Collins with her grandma and grandpa and Kyran Kaeo with his grandpa, grandma and mom.
Keiki in Honolulu in Papa Pikake and Papa Pua Melia proudly share their craft and art projects with their kūpuna.
Keiki in Honolulu in Papa Pikake and Papa Pua Melia proudly share their craft and art projects with their kūpuna.
The bonds of love and affection shine brightly at the Lā Kūpuna celebration in Hāna, Maui.
The bonds of love and affection shine brightly at the Lā Kūpuna celebration in Hāna, Maui.

TAGS
ks preschools,early education,lā kūpuna,ʻohana engagement,student well-being

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, Wai’anae Coast, ‘Ewa, Waialua, Kona, O’ahu, Ko’olau, Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i, West Hawai’i, East Hawai’i, Themes, Culture, Community, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Preschools, Preschools

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