Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 37, Number 8, 1 August 2020 — New Nonprofit on a Mission to Get Hawai'i Island Keiki Active [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

New Nonprofit on a Mission to Get Hawai'i Island Keiki Active

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Little Big Tots Foundation is a newly organized nonprofit that is on a mission to increase youth participation in extra-curricular activities. For many families, having their keiki participate in extra-curricular, after-school or weekend activities is simply not affordable. And yet, participation in extra-curricular activities complements a child's education, builds confidence and helps to develop life and social skills. In an effort to enable all keiki to experience this important part of childhood, Little Big Tots is trying to fill the gap by helping parents and caregivers register their keiki for extra-curricular activities, and by offering a scholarship program to assist needy families with activity fees. Currently, the scholarship program is only available to Hawai'i Island residents, but the plan is to eventually expand across the pae 'āina and reach as many keiki as possible. Qualifying extra-curricular activities include music and art classes, swimming lessons, youth sports and scouting. Keiki from 3-13 years old are eligible to apply. The application period opened on July lst and will eontinue through the end of 2020. "Hawai'i's keiki benefit from extracurricular activities by gaining the skills and experiences they need to be successful," says Little Big Tots President Rristina Tolentino. "Our organization was founded on Hawai'i Island by a group of Native Hawaiian women to empower every child to move beyond their current circumstances and become healthy, contributing citizens of their communities. Our slogan is 'reaching dreams one star at a time.'"

For more information or to apply, go ; to https://littlebigtotshi.wixsite.com/ ; website.