Grant Report: TRANSCEND International–Hawaii 

TRANSCEND News, 1 Jan 2024

Pua’Ena Burgess - TRANSCEND Media Service

28 Nov 2023 – Mahalo TRANSCEND International-Hawaii for the generous funding of Hawaii Literacy and our Waianae Summer Fun Program which made it possible to continue this popular program that seeks to connect ‘opio with impactful learning experiences beyond the school environment.

The $10,000 TRANSCEND International – Hawaii generously granted to Hawaii Literacy’s Bookmobile Program allowed us to make 24 stops to five Summer Fun Sites along the Waianae Coast; at Makaha, Pilila’au, Waianae, Maili & Nanakuli; and visit one event during the summer, La Ho’iho’i Ea, for a total of 25 visits. Including at La Ho’iho’i Ea we hosted 699 people in total, 652 keiki/opio and 47 adults; and had a total of 1526 visits this summer from June 14 – July 27, 2023.  At these sites were were able to distribute 400 literacy kits and 1473 books to kids in Kindergarten to 12th grade and several adults as well.

The main objective of this program is that youth will be engaged with literacy by learning about Hawaiian and other global cultures through learning-based activities.

This year we focused on the potency of names.  We started with a chant adapted by our staff that allowed each person to share their name and where they are from, however they defined that.  We also introduced the poem, Choosing My Name by Puanani Burgess and discussed the meaning of their names and the roles names can play in our lives.  The song Hawaii Aloha was taught along with aspects of its significance and that like its composer, Lorenzo Lyons, even if you are not from Hawaii, we can develop a strong connection with this land we call home.  Wai’anae and the meaning of this name along with the characteristics of the ‘anae fish and its younger form, the ‘ama’ama were covered as we asked kids what trait they shared with the ‘anae.  We also discussed the role of pa’akai, its meaning and importance including the preservation of food and then we invited them to partake of it themselves. Our last lesson focused on the Hukilau and working together to help provide for not only ourselves but our ohana and community as well.

On the last day at our site we asked the question, “What did you like about when the Bookmobile visits?” to participate in ‘opio and some of the Summer Fun staff as well.  Of the 131 responses we recorded 98% liked when the Bookmobile visited, the most popular reason being the access to books and reading (51%).  Interestingly,  when we put together some of the varied statements like the value of the Hawaiian lessons and the impression that the pa’akai, pahu, ihe, ‘ukulele and other elements of the activities we did with them, those things added up close to 50% as well.  One student mentioned his main takeaway was that Hawaiian History was presented in a balanced way and that the Hawaiians weren’t treated very well by the Americans.  Others mentioned that they like learning and it was fun to be here.  Some of the staff commented that it’s hard to get the kids interested and involved, especially the older kids, this is the hardest group but look at them, they are all engaged.

We deeply appreciate the vision and support from TRANSCEND International-Hawaii to further the collective dream of growing a strong lahui.

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Pua’Ena Burgess is Hawaii Literacy Bookmobile Program Manager.

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 1 Jan 2024.

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