Kamehameha Schools staffers recently teamed up with Department of Education Hawaiian studies kumu to host “Lā Le‘ale‘a: Culture and Community Matters,” a day-long event at Keonepoko Elementary School.
Lā Le‘ale‘a (Fun Day) provided culture-based activities for the campus’ students who were displaced last fall when their school was threatened by the Puna lava flow. The keiki were transferred to temporary classrooms in the Kea‘au High School parking lot.
The event created a sense of renewal during the makahiki season for the students and their parents. Staffers from KS’ Kauhale Kīpaipai and other KS departments helped with ku‘i ‘ai (poi-pounding) makahiki games and more.
“The effort put forth was amazing and a good time was had by all,” said Keonepoko Elementary Vice Principal Darlette Driskell. “What a wonderful way to start the New Year and second semester with such fun, engaged learning, community and culture!”
The myriad of educational activities also included: a native species touch tank, storytelling, a mālama ʻāina area, and way-finding with the traveling planetarium from Hilo’s ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.
“Seeing the engagement of the kids and the appreciation in their eyes reminds us of the reason we have chosen to be a part of the work we are in,” said KS ‘Āina-Based Education Senior Program Manager Kaimana Barcarse. “Mahalo nui to the Department of Education for organizing this event and allowing us to be a part of it.”
KS’ Kauhale Kīpaipai Department provides culture-based education and professional development to Hawai‘i DOE stakeholders. By creating and maintaining positive relationships with community collaborators, the department enhances educational experiences of Native Hawaiian learners by encouraging educator practice, crating positive learning environments, and revitalizing culture and identity.
Mahalo!
Hats off to the following contributors for helping make the event a success:
KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS
Kauhale Kipaipai
Literacy Instruction and Support
Career Post-High Counseling and Guidance
Hawaiian Culture-Based Education Department
‘Āina-Based Education
Kamehameha Publishing
KEA‘AU HIGH SCHOOL
Marine Science Program
Natural Resources Academy
Leadership Class
ALSO:
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Nā Maka o Papahānumokuākea
Pono Pacific
Three Mountain Alliance
The effort put forth was amazing and a good time was had by all. What a wonderful way to start the New Year and second semester with such fun, engaged learning, community and culture!
Darlette Driskell, Keonepoko Elementary School Vice Principal
Keonepoko Elementary School keiki examine the shell of an ‘a‘ama crab during Lā Le‘ale‘a – Fun Day.
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