Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 4, 1 April 2000 — E mālama i nā keiki [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

E mālama i nā keiki

E mālama 'ia nā pono o ka 'āina e nā 'ōpio. ( The traditions ofthe lanā are perpetuated by its youth.) 0UR ANCESTORS, in their wisdom, realized the perpetuation of our culture, the advancement of our society and people to their optimal potential, and the survival of our families, community and nation depend upon the priority we plaee on educating and nurturing our keiki and 'ōpio. On Kaua'i, the children from Ni'ihau families deserve priority attention regarding their education. While many of us eome from homes where English is the first language and the prevailing means of eommunieaūon, there are children from Ni'ihau and elsewhere in the state. whose first language at home is Hawaiian, and their initial encounter with the puhlie education experience is traumatic and harmful to self-image and self-confidence. Education of Hawaiian children and young adults has seen tremendous positive changes. In the past years,

more than 500 teachers of Hawaiian language have provided instruction in Hawaiian culture and language to nearly 9,000 students of all ages. The Nā Pua No'eau program for talented youngsters flourishes. The Hawaiian language immersion program has graduated many youngsters, some of whom are becoming parents in homes where Hawaiian now is the first language.

Despite our successes, our methodology has not kept up. We have not

yet developed and refined an educational model whieh introduces Hawaiian-speaking children to English proficiency beginning in kindergarten. Consequently, Ni'ihau children and others raised in Hawaiian speaking homes are emerging in schools that are currently illprepared to handle them with the standard curriculum and methodology. Īhe Department of Education has indicated its interest anel support in addressing this need, particularly as it relates to the Ni'ihau children on Kaua'i. Kamehameha School, with its chief executive officer newly aboard, is preparing to move vigorously and expeditiously in addressing the educational needs of the Ni'ihau children. Other trustees, community individuals and groups are working diligently to make a difference in the lives of our Hawaiian children and youth. Mahalo to all who are infusing life and reality into our 'ōlelo no'eau (wise saying): E mālama 'ia nā pono o ka 'āina e nā 'ōpio. ■

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