Aug. 27, 2015

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

As Kea‘au High School faculty and staff returned back to their campus from summer break, they had a special opportunity to experience ‘āina- and culture-based learning, just like their students did in Kupa ‘Āina, a summer bridge program offered by Kamehameha Schools.

Kamehameha Schools’ Kauhale Kīpaipai Department, Kupa ‘Āina program, and the KS Hawai‘i campus partnered with, the Ho‘okele Department of Education leadership development program to offer this culture-based education professional development day.

During a Hoʻokele program workshop in June, Kea‘au High School Principal Dean Cevallos  expressed interest to KS’ Kauhale Kīpaipai staff in providing a professional development day for his campus educators. He recognized the importance of connecting his staff with ‘ike honua, or a sense of place, in helping to build pilina (positive relationships) with students in developing a collective sense of place for their school.  

“It was the best start to the school year we’ve ever experienced...this is straight from our faculty,” shared Cevallos.

His interest stemmed from seeing how successful the Kupa ‘Āina program has been over the past two years at Kea‘au High School. Cevallos felt it was important to have his faculty and staff experience the same thing his students were learning.

Activities included huakaʻi to KS lands at Keauhou, Kaʻū and the KS Hawai‘i campus to help with their koa reforestation project. Participants were introduced to strategies for implementing Nā Honua Mauli Ola (Hawaiian Cultural Pathways for Healthy and Responsive Learning Environments) which include ʻIke Honua – a sense of place, and ʻIke Hoʻokō – applied achievement.

One of the activities that addressed both of these pathways was the hana noʻeau (art) of ʻuo hulu (bunching feathers) for kāhili that will be a gift to the school. They also heard mo‘olelo and learned more about the history of Kea‘au and ‘Ōla‘a ahupuaʻa where Keaʻau High School is located.

A number of community partners were involved in the planning and execution of the day including Kahu Mālama Keauhou Iwikauikaua Joaquin, Three Mountain Alliance, ‘Imi Pono no ka ‘Āina Environmental Education Program, Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and San Diego Zoo global program manager Bryce Masuda.

“As we reflected on the day, I encouraged the faculty to draw upon their shared experience and connection to place as they start this new school year and to bring that same excitement and joy to their classrooms,” said Jessica Waiaʻu, a Kupa ‘Āina program counselor.

The teachers and staff appreciated the opportunity and have a new desire to rethink and reconnect their curriculum to this place and culture. Having the chance to see what their students have been doing through Kupa ‘Āina, they recognize that culture-based education empowers their students by having them learn about themselves, ancestors and the place they come from.

Kamehameha Scholars Counselor Kūlani Calina reflected on the larger impact these activities will have, not only for these teachers, but the students they will affect through their work.

 “I saw the teachers plant koa…and they will plant again and again in the classroom,” said Calina.