Papahana kuaola's moʻoʻāina (stories of the land) will address the need for increased access to hawaiian cultural-based literature that supports ʻāina and place-based practices to 2,000 participants…

This $150,000 Project Grant awarded on September 1, 2023 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services (NANH-L) program will allow Papahana Kuaola, a Native Hawaiian organization and non-profit, to address the need for increased access to Hawaiian cultural-based literature and place-based learning. The funding will be used to develop literacy-focused programs, learning materials, and community engagement activities that connect traditional Hawaiian stories (moolelo) to natural resources and cultural practices. This will benefit approximately 2,000 participants, primarily from underserved rural communities on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Molokai. Key activities include "Mo'olelo Monday" reading sessions, creating visual aids and activity worksheets, and a "Mo'olelo Book Box" to support Hawaiian culture-based education in classrooms and at home.

Papahana kuaola's moʻoʻāina (stories of the land) will address the need for increased access to hawaiian cultural-based literature that supports ʻāina and place-based practices to 2,000 participants on the islands of oahu, maui, and molokai (as identified by community surveys conducted by papahana kuaola). The majority of participants come from underserved, rural communities where resources and educational opportunities are often limited. Grant funds will improve the quality of library services to native hawaiians through literacy-based programs like MO'olelo monday reading sessions that connect traditional hawaiian moʻolelo to natural resources and cultural practices. Funds will also develop learning materials such as visual aids, activity worksheets and a MO'olelo book box that will support teachers in their delivery of in-class hawaiian culture-based education (hcbe) instruction, as well as family/community learning at home.