Me, My Mind, My Mana’o

Molokai Schools to receive $1.6 million in grant funding.

By Marie Nowell

While the Hawaii Board of Education is busy trying to figure out how to deal with the State’s dwindling budget, Molokai schools are getting a huge financial boost from a grant, totaling $1.6 million for after-school activities. The program is being coordinated by the principals of the island schools, Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai, Kilohana, Maunaloa, and Kualapu`u Charter, offering a variety of opportunities for students and their families.

Rose Yamada authored the grant, called “Connecting M’s; Me, My Mind, My Mana’o” which is meant to enrich the lives of school children through after-school programs. The grant was approved by the Hawaii DOE for federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program funding administered by Solomom Kaulukukui. Molokai principals of the complex schools will administer the program.

Planned after-school activities will include interactive computer mathematics and Algebra, reading and drama, and robotics and environmental science. Program coordinators say the activities will “reinforce basic skills.” Personal development activities including sewing, computer graphics, cooking, and math tutoring skills are an effort to emphasize the value of self, community, and Molokai.

The purpose of the program is to provide opportunities for academic enrichment in island schools and the development of literacy. Janice Espiritu, manger of the grant and Principal of Kaunakakai School is “emphasizing the benefits that will be affecting all public schools.”

Enrollment in these activities will be limited, so priority will be given to interested students and their families with the greatest need who are committed to meeting and completing requirements. A session must meet the required number of 10 people, and individuals must participate for 30 days to count as part of the grant.

Be on the lookout for what is to come, as the program gets off to a start in a few weeks. You can find information posted around town on bulletin boards and announcements in the paper. Registration will be held at Kaunakakai School.

Grant coordinators would like to encourage those interested in providing support, partnering, or having participates in the program to contact their neighborhood school principal.

Everyone in the community is welcomed to take advantage of this program and the extended opportunities.