As the school year ends, we’re celebrating kumu across Kamehameha Schools who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders. In every classroom, they help fulfill Pauahi’s vision for an educated and thriving lāhui.
What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
What inspired me the most about becoming a kumu at KS is the value and focus KS puts on culture-based education and haumāna-centered learning. I knew I would truly become an ʻōiwi Hawaiʻi-serving kumu at KS. I continue to be moved by Pauahi’s mission, vision and legacy. Her intentions have become my intentions. Because of this, I continue to nurture and grow my kumu craft so that I may better reach and teach our indigenous haumāna through indigenous values and methodologies.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
I am very proud of how my haumāna apply their learnings every year! This year, in particular, haumāna have done amazing work with their “Lāhui Empowerment” projects. Students began this learning journey at the start of the year by selecting a lāhui issue that really meant something to them. They were given the agency to choose and investigate a concerning topic they feel passionate about and want to be a part of impacting through awareness and proposed solutions.
Our overarching school theme, “E Naʻi Pono,” strive to achieve what is right and just, as well as our ʻŌiwi Edge innovation process, has served as a guiding framework that carried them through the year-long study. Haumāna have been empowered to learn and grow through Hawaiian cultural values, kuanaʻike mindsets, and ʻōiwi methods.
From “Reclaiming ancestral intelligence to influence present ʻike” and “Restoring native fish being threatened by invasive fish” to “Regenerating the cultural etiquette of surfing at Honoliʻi” and “Reclaiming healthy ways to raise/care for children,” the list of student-chosen issues goes on!
Seeing haumāna apply critical literacies to their research, essay writing, prototyping, and action projects means we are indeed growing “warriors of a just future,” “cultivators of a thriving legacy,” and “leaders of global impact.”
What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
I learn from my haumāna every day! Something I learned that stands out for this school year is that student motivation and engagement remain largely tied to the agency we allow them. At the same time, students also require consistent structure, guidelines, and support.
I’ve been more intentional about providing them with ample freedom, independence, and choices within appropriate fences. A primary example of notable student growth has been the result of co-constructing assessments within the yearlong journey of our “Lāhui Empowerment” projects. Students took the wheel navigating their pursuit of addressing an issue that truly concerned them. Utilizing our ʻŌiwi Innovation Process and Anchors as driving forces, students moved fluidly through their kilo, kā, and paka realms with much agency.
Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
I see Pauahi’s legacy most in my work every time our haumāna live and breathe the foundational values of aloha, mālama, ʻimi naʻauao, ʻike pono, haʻahaʻa, kuleana, and hoʻomau!
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
My shout out goes to Kumu Hālani Boshard who empowers our students every day!
TAGS
ks hawaii,
keaau campus,
kumu appreciation,
our employee ʻohana,
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CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, West Hawai’i, East Hawai’i, Themes, Culture, Community, Employee ‘Ohana, Ka ʻohana Kamehameha, E Ola!, Hawaii Newsroom, KS Hawaii Home, KS Announcements, Alumni, Hawai’i, Hawaii campus
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Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
