Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset provides Hana Library with unique donation

Hana School and Public Library teaches children to incorporate STEM into projects using LEGOs.
LAHAINA – Some Rotary clubs give their speakers a coffee mug. Other clubs purchase a book in the speaker’s name to donate to a local public or school library.
Because the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset serves the under-served Hana School and Public Library, members shared with Hana Head Librarian Irene Pavao that $300 would be allocated for new books.
Pavao then shared: “We really need LEGOs!”
Every Friday after school, Pavao offers the opportunity for students to spend an hour in STEM-based activities using LEGOs.
STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
According to Pavao, “We give a subject, and the children incorporate STEM into the projects they create.”
The after-school LEGO sessions are such a big hit at the Hana Library that Mrs. Pavao has to turn students away because there are not enough LEGOs in the library collection to go around.
There was only one small tub of LEGOs available for the students.
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset determined that Hana Library needs LEGOs more that books!
Working with Patrick Markey, owner of Brickhaus Designs, the club was able to purchase two very large boxes of LEGOs for this unique, fun and educational program.
“The excitement and pure joy was seen on each child’s face when we opened up the boxes. The boxes arrived just in time for winter break, when we can offer more LEGO sessions. The sign-up sheet is always quickly filled up by the end of the day for the upcoming programs,” said Pavao.
“LEGOs are a great learning tool for all ages.”
According to Past President Joanne Laird, “We are delighted that our club was able to provide the LEGOs to the children of the Hana community, so that they can have fun and use critical thinking skills at the same time.”
For more information about the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, e-mail President Heidi Dollinger at Heidi.LahainaSunset@gmail.com or go to the club’s Facebook page.