October 30, 2009
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
A pilot of Kamehameha Schools' Kali'imamo program was held today from 8 a.m. 2:15 p.m. for approximately 80 3rd graders at four schools on the Windward side Waiahole, He'eia, Ben Parker and Puohala Elementary. Keiki were taken to Ho'omaluhia Gardens where they learned about how Native Hawaiians used plants for survival. Topics covered today included plants as shelter, crafts and clothing, and food. Children had the opportunity to construct a model hale or house, make ko'elepalau using sweet potato and coconut milk, and create a mock lauhala mat using construction paper.
"The Literacy Instruction and Support services we provide in DOE schools address a critical component of our Educational Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the importance of education amongst children ages 0-8," said Chris Pating, vice president for Strategic Planning and Implementation of Kamehameha Schools. "Our Kali'imamo program is designed to sustain the literacy curriculum being taught in the classroom while increasing students' critical thinking skills utilizing the environment around them."
As part of the program, Kamehameha Schools provided free transportation, lunch and snacks to participating keiki. Plans are already underway to expand the program to other regions and grade levels for the month of November.
Kamehameha Schools Literacy Instruction and Support (LIS) Division currently provides services in 21 Department of Education schools or 218 K-3 classrooms across the State of Hawaii. In 2008-2009, LIS served a total of 4,572 learners and their caregivers through a variety of programs including in-school literacy, after school literacy and parent programs.
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling more than 6,700 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 31 preschool sites statewide. Thousands of additional Hawaiian learners are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawaii and across the continental United States.
Kamehameha Schools Literacy Support Specialist Kaleialoha Medeiros helped third graders from He'eia Elementary make their own ko'elepalau, a snack with sweet potato and coconut milk. (Photo: Kamehameha Schools)
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
