The start of a new adventure -- our field school!

On Monday, June 3, 2013, we launched the Waiʻanae Mālama ʻĀina Field School @ Nānākuli at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School. It has been a lot of work to get to opening day but it was well worth it.  Terra Wight and Jewelynn Kirkland are the core teachers of this 6-week course, supported by a team of educators from a variety of organizations coordinated by the Mālama Learning Center.

The primary goal of the course is to strengthen students’ core skills in science, math, and English/language arts by connecting them to the ‘āina and their culture.  In doing so, the program will engage students in learning and school so that they will be successful learners and contributors to their community, and will begin to understand the role of the 21st century konohiki.  They will also see college and career paths and develop contacts with potential employers. This course offers a math or science recovery credit for students who need it.

One of our students, Sheriece Savea, will be the main author of this blog as part of her course assignments.

We are so excited to launch this program, which would not be possible without the financial and logistical support of the following:
Nānākuli High & Intermediate School
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, PALS/PLACES program
Kamehameha Schools Ka Pua Project
Marisla Foundation
MAʻO Organic Farm
Mālama Learning Center and Hawaiʻi Green Collar Institute

Mahalo also to all our speakers, site visit hosts, and the Pacific American Foundation for use of their materials.