February 19, 2008
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
"The students learn about giving back to the community, through the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop," said Jerelyn Makanui-Yoshida, middle school social studies teacher at Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i. "They also realize how important education is, while interacting and engaging the younger students."
More than 90 eighth graders traveled to Moloka'i to teach keiki in kindergarten through grade two. Divided into three groups, the Kamehameha students created a diverse mix of lessons, with classes in science, reading, and music. They provided instruction at Kilohana Elementary School, Kaunakakai Elementary School, and Kualapu'u Elementary School.
The student mentors and keiki immediately connected with each other in the classroom.
"The kids are so friendly on both sides," said Kamalu Poepoe, Hawaiian immersion curriculum coordinator at Kualapu'u Elementary School. "It has a great impact on us as teachers. We see the students come in and offer fresh lessons, and we step outside of the box for a little while. There's a strong feeling of 'ohana."
This project has evolved into an annual tradition for Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i Middle School and the Moloka'i community. In addition to the teaching, students also spend time sprucing up area churches and cleaning historical sites, such as the Keawa Nui fishpond.
"It's good to let them know that other people care about them," said Jordan Lacsina, an eighth grade student at Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i. "It feels wonderful to share our aloha with the keiki and our 'ohana on Moloka'i."
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 Hawai'i and across the continental United States.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
