Through our flagship 9-month mentoring program, youth ages 12-18 facing challenging life circumstances are connected with land, culture, and community. Immersed in all aspects of cultivating kalo, youth deepen their understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture. A key component of this program is one on one mentoring with experienced life coaches.
The mentoring program is designed with the possibility for growth and promotion in mind. The 4 tiers are:
The Pōkiʻi, or entry-level, of the Kūkuluhou Program focuses on youth (often at-risk due to difficulties with their families and society) helping them to improve their levels of social functioning, self-esteem, cultural connection, and sense of communal belonging. These personal areas of growth develop during their experience at a traditional Hawaiian lo‘i kalo (taro farm). Youth are mentored by Dean Wilhelm who has 15 years of experience teaching in the DOE, 10 of those working with challenged youth at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, and peer mentors on staff. The method of mentoring consists of teaching a foundation of Hawaiian values while practicing the traditional cultivation of kalo as a means to shift, grow, and improve their life skills and prosocial development. In addition, participants learn about aspects of Hawaiian history and culture and how these relate to themselves. Kūkuluhou targets four areas of personal development:
Self-Concept
Participants are expected to develop positive feelings about themselves, which are expected to manifest in their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.
Social Competence
Participants develop skills to comfortably express themselves in interpersonal and social relationships manifested by improved relationships with peers and adults.
Understanding and Appreciation of Hawaiian Culture and Values
Participants learn about the Hawaiian culture and values through instruction and example during day-to-day hands on activities in the loʻi and demonstrate a new appreciation for their own cultural traditions.
Sense of Connection to the ‘Āina and Community
Participants' feelings of connection to place and community can be indicated by how they act and speak. Words like It’s so peaceful here, I feel safe, and I don’t want to leave likely indicate a feeling a sense of connection which is not demonstrated when they first enter the program.
The program follows the DOE quarter system with each 3 month period focusing on one of our core themes. A variety of lessons based on Hawaiian ʻolelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs) are woven into the quarterly theme. Values focused on over the course of the nine months include:
Participants in the Hoʻokuaʻāina Kūkuluhou Mentoring program participate in video voice projects giving them the opportunity to share what they have learned in the program from their own perspective. It is essential to let their voice be heard and for them to know that their words have meaning. Along with their on-camera interview, we provided them with cameras to document their daily lives while in the program. Our goal with this project was to give them an opportunity to express themselves through a visual piece. It gives them an additional medium to share more about themselves with a creative platform while having some fun in the process.
The values we were focusing on at the time of these videos were Kulia I Ka Nu’u which means to strive for the highest and Hoʻomau which means to persevere. A series of lessons over a period of 3 months were given to help participants with goal setting and give them tools to achieve those goals.
The results for those who stay in the program for at least 3 months are life enhancing and edifying. The skills learned help equip participants with tools they can utilize in real life situations.
Core lessons based on Hawaiian values are taught quarterly. A participant in Hoʻokuaʻāinaʻs Kūkuluhou Mentoring Program shares what, the core value Nani Ke Kalo means to him and how he applies it to everyday life in this video voice project.
Core lessons based on Hawaiian values are taught quarterly. In this video, a cohort of participants in Hoʻokuaʻāinaʻs Kūkuluhou Mentoring Program shares what the core value Nani Ke Kalo means to them through the lens of their own camera and interviews.
Core lessons based on Hawaiian values are taught quarterly. A participant in Hoʻokuaʻāinaʻs Kūkuluhou Mentoring Program shares what, the core value Nani Ke Kalo means to him and how he applies it to everyday life in this video voice project.
Core lessons based on Hawaiian values are taught quarterly. In this video, a cohort of participants in Hoʻokuaʻāinaʻs Kūkuluhou Mentoring Program shares what the core value Nani Ke Kalo means to them through the lens of their own camera and interviews.
Hoʻokuaʻāina is located in the ahupuaʻa of Kailua at Kapalai in Maunawili on the island of Oʻahu. Get Directions.
For more information about our programs or how you can get involved please contact us.
916E Auloa Rd.
Kailua, HI 96734
P.O. Box 342146
Kailua, HI 96734
Hoʻokuaʻāina is located in the ahupuaʻa of Kailua at Kapalai in Maunawili on the island of Oʻahu.
For more information about our programs or how you can get involved please contact us.
916E Auloa Rd.
Kailua, HI 96734
P.O. Box 342146
Kailua, HI 96734
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Hoʻokuaʻāina is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization
© Hoʻokuaʻāina 2020 All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Site By Created By Kaui
Hoʻokuaʻāina is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization
© Hoʻokuaʻāina 2020 All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Site By Created By Kaui
Hoʻokuaʻāina is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization
© Hoʻokuaʻāina 2020 All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy
Site By Created By Kaui