The papahana kuaola (PK) will increase access to early literacy resources by developing a culture-based literacy program that engages keiki (children) with culture, history, and legacies of the…

The Papahana Kuaola (PK) will develop a culture-based early literacy program for $156,814 under a Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services' (IMLS) Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services program (NANH-L). PK will create learning materials and engage 1,364 participants across 13 schools on Oahu, Molokai, and Maui through hands-on activities, bus tours, outdoor experiences, and community events centered around moolelo (stories), ali'i (royalty) identification, and the histories and legacies of the Hawaiian people. The one-year project beginning September 1, 2022 aims to increase access to early literacy resources for keiki (children) by developing culture-focused books, reenacted moolelo, and virtual or in-person talk story sessions and presentations.

The papahana kuaola (PK) will increase access to early literacy resources by developing a culture-based literacy program that engages keiki (children) with culture, history, and legacies of the hawaiian people through books, reenacted moolelo (stories), and virtual or in-person "talk story" sessions and presentations. The project team will develop learning materials such as a project webpage, moʻolelo video presentations, online quizlets, aliʻi identification and information cards, as well as audio recordings in english, hawaiian, or both. PK also will partner with 13 schools to engage their students in hands-on activities, bus tours, outdoor learning experiences, out of school enrichment programming, and community events. This project will benefit 1,364 participants on oahu, molokai, and maui, including students, teachers, and families.