Today, Papa ‘Elima (Gr. 5) haumåna welcomed guests from Albion College in Michigan to class. We began with a ho’okipa (welcome) where Mrs. Pai oli’d on behalf of our guest and the rest of us oli’d to welcome them to our campus! The students in 5B began by welcoming the college Freshmen to our classroom and shared how the current lava flow is impacting our island using their ipads and techie skills. They shared legends of Pele, and shared their mana’o on the financial, government, social & emotional impacts, as well as innovations on how electric poles were redesigned in order to not interrupt service for the people of Pahoa as lava flowed.
The students also shared legend on how Hilo got its name and the cultural significance behind making a kupe’e (bracelet)and connections between the two. The kupe’e wards off negativity and provides protection and brings positive energy for safe journey…which was so fitting as our guests were on huaka’i (field trip) all the way from Michigan. The students demonstrated, instructed, coached and cheered on our guests as they made their own kupe’e! All the while all shared with positive thoughts as that positive mana will transfer to the kupe’e.
As the day went on, pa’a pilina (old relationships) were renewed (Mrs. Pai and Mrs. Kawakami and Mrs. Henke were friends and colleagues for many years) and new pilina was formed with all the students and teachers…young and old! Click on the comments link to see what our students thought of this priceless learning experience & wonderful day…Read the comments on how proud they were to share our Hawaiian culture as well as learn from our new friends! Michigan entered our campus as guests and continued on their journey of our wonderful moku o keawe (Big Island) as friends! A hui hou…until we meet again! Safe travels to you! We’ll be sending some priceless photos to Prof Carrie and Sue soon!
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