We think of our families, friends and neighbors often and wanted you to know what is happening at Na Kamalei-K.E.E.P.
We continue test Lei Aku, Lei Mai (Lei Given, Lei Received): A Reciprocal Exchange of Knowledge-A Hawaiian Family Learning Curriculum at 4 sites in Ko’olauLoa. With the guidance of our Curriculum Committee, this effort has taken the best of our lessons from 12 years, along with a pioneering look at Native Hawaiian education philosophy through Family and Child Interaction Learning Programs. We plan additional sections in the years to come. We are planning for the 1st edition in the next 8 weeks, and hope to train and distribute it to other FCILP programs at the Native Hawaiian Education Association’s annual conference in March. Please look for us there.
Everyone is having to make-do in these economic times. We have trimmed down to core services only, focusing on our mission. Our staff is strong and dedicated, so we hoping to weather the lean times with unity and perseverance. We have changed organizational structure from strategic planning back in 2008-2009, including:
-educational, screening and home support services for children 0-3 with their families;
-a switch from quarterly sessions to a 40-week curriculum with a summer enrichment session (year round activity);
-the establishment of teaching hui;
-a school calendar that mimic’s DOE year (a request from our parents with multi-aged children);
-reorganized Parents As Teachers services with ’ohana educators;
-maintaining access to the Punalu’u Lo’i but releasing our land license there;
-land reclamation improvements and significant growth in the (5) site at the Punalu’u Discovery Garden with planned expansion in square footage in 2010;
-Friday class in a land-based setting with lessons in science and culture in the outdoor classroom (documented in our new curriculum);
-new procedures for an intern/volunteer program;
-expansion of Native Hawaiian protocol use;
-plans for replacing or renovating our drooping facility.
In addition, please welcome Marvel Afalava as our new Ho’ala Na Pua Program Manager. Auntie Elena Vierra has returned to her roots and is still with us as our Lead Teacher.
We expect some sales when we offer (8) more Hawaiian storybooks in Hawaiian and English for sale later this year…but it is a hard time for all right now. In the meantime-all of our books will be offered to educators for use in their classrooms through the www.ulukau.org; search the beginner book tab for both Hawaiian and English.
We want to thank our 2009 funders: U.S. Department of Education-Native Hawaiian Education Act, Administration for Native Americans, the Harold K. Castle Foundation, Consuelo Foundation and ‘Aina Ulu-Kamehameha Schools for Pauahi’s Legacy Lands. Their belief in our ability to assist families with young children is to be applauded and acknowledged in our community!
Punalu’u Valley is such a rich, fat and peaceful land. We continue to welcome visitor tours and groups, especially at 3rd class on Friday’s in the Discovery Garden at 9:00am. We welcome DOE students on furlough Friday’s with their families. If you have not had a chance to visit, we encourage you to call and make plans for your next visit.
Thank you for your kindness during this past year. Our partnerships and collaborations are so important for making our work for young children have meaningful impact. When hope is dim, hold tight to one another during the storm. We will all make it through.