Grant Supports Youth Training in Sustainable Ag

Sust`ainable Molokai News Release

Sust`ainable Molokai (SM) recently received a $17,434 grant from the First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colorado. This award will support the efforts of SM’s Molokai Agricultural Youth Leadership Development Program.

The Youth Leadership Program aims to train high school and college youth in sustainable agriculture and permaculture practices through an ongoing mentorship program. The mentees will gain knowledge in the areas of traditional Hawaiian agriculture, professional business skills, hands-on experience, and will be encouraged to find their own unique way to contribute to food sovereignty in their community while earning a stipend upon the completion of the program. The first stage of the project is well underway with the curriculum of the program nearing completion. SM’s Molokai Agricultural Youth Leadership Development Program will be the first of its kind and will be accepting applications for its very first workshop taking place during the Molokai High School spring break.

Sust`ainable Molokai is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which began in 2008 as a grassroots initiative to maintain Molokai’s rich culture and historic legacy of `aina momona (abundant land) while embracing modern pathways to a sustainable future. SM focuses on education, training, and advocacy; identifying existing community assets and inherent challenges; and filling complementary roles that advance local efforts. SM realizes the importance of investing in local youth and aspires to develop and guide young leaders in hopes of renewing Molokai’s agricultural micro-economy. SM will be looking for high school and college youth who are interested in participating in the pilot project being held in the spring. If you have any questions please call Emillia Noordhoek at the SM office at (808) 560-5410.