Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 9, 1 September 1988 — After-school Hawaiian Language Program Seeking Kokua, Funds [ARTICLE]

After-school Hawaiian Language Program Seeking Kokua, Funds

Leo 'ōiwi, a parent support group affiliated with Hawaiian language immersion school programs for children, is seeking the public's kokuato set up a Hawaiian language after-school project. Explains Leo 'Oiwi parent Dr. Lilikala Kame'eleihiwa, who is a Hawaiian studies instructor at the University of Hawaii, about 20 children who onee

attended the Pūnana Leo immersion preschool are now enrolled in the Department of Education (DOE) Hawaiian language immersion school at Waiau Elementary, near Pearl Harbor. Most parents of the Waiau immersion students do not live near Waiau, but rather as far away as Hau'ula, Kailua and Wai'anae. Since the parents all work, she says, they need after school care for their children. She says, "We decided we wanted more than just babysitting; we want to create a

program of cultural enrichment for our children. We want to teach them Hawaiian history, mythology, hula, chant, music, 'ukulele and most importantly, Hawaiian values." Another goal of the after-school program will be to enhanee the gifts and talents of the children.

Leo 'Oiwi's primary need is for a program site in the Kalihi area, near the Pūnana Leo school, where members' toddlers are enrolled. They also need money for staffing, supplies and snacks. Donations in the way of money, school supplies, children's books in Hawaiian, hula and musical instruments, a bus for transporting children, or volunteer teachers would all be appreciated. Contact Ka'umealani Walk at 948-6419 or Lilikala Kame'eleihiwa at 948-6444. Mahalo nui.