HANA – Self-sustenance, community relationship and cultural connection are some of the principles Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike aims to pass on to the next generation by creating caretakers of the future and leaders of Maui.

Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike is among several programs in Maui County that are collaborating with Kamehameha Schools to construct the right environment for Native Hawaiian learners to flourish.

Kamehameha Schools has awarded more than $1.7 million in community investment grants to support collaboration partners on Maui, Molokai and Lanai for the current fiscal year that began July 1.

For Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike’s Sustainable Building Program, Mahele Farm Program and Ku’i ‘Ai Program, that means the ability to work with hundreds of community members from keiki to kupuna in providing essential vocational skills, ‘aina-based education, pono stewardship, culture-based opportunities and community empowerment.

Overall, Kamehameha Schools has awarded $24 million in grants statewide for this fiscal year.

The grants target four primary priorities statewide: $4.6 million for early learning, $12 million for K-12 education, $4.25 million for college and career focus and $3 million for ‘aina and community engagement, with the goal of improving Native Hawaiian learner outcomes in kindergarten readiness, third grade reading scores, eighth grade math scores, on-time high school graduation rates and completion of post-secondary education.

“These grants support areas such as Hawaiian cultural-based immersion and charter schools, early education programs, ‘aina-based learning opportunities, vocational training and undergraduate and graduate internships,” said Lauren Nahme, vice president of strategy and innovation. “As part of our Strategic Plan for 2020 and Vision 2040, we join with these community collaborators in working toward building a thriving lahui.”

Investments in programs and projects on Maui, Molokai and Lanai totaled more than $1.7 million, with some of the larger awards going to organizations such as: ?

Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation for the Ku’ia Agricultural Education Program for a program in Lahaina to develop an agricultural education center based on sustainable and traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices. ?

Kauahea Inc. for the Paeloko Learning Center to provide cultural enrichment programs to Maui County Schools, cultural organizations and groups, after-school and weekend programs, and the general community. ?

Hui o Kuapa for Malama ia Keawanui for a project that combines experiential learning for K-20 students with the actual caretaking of the Keawanui loko i’a as an ecological and economic system. ?

Alaka’ina for the Molokai Digital Bus-Project N? Meaola, which will bridge STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and Native Hawaiian techniques and methodologies through meaningful science-based classroom and field experiences.

“Through these community investments, educational opportunities for Native Hawaiian learners on Maui, Molokai and Lanai will be built upon a foundation of traditional values and strengthened through Hawaiian cultural-based education and ‘aina-based learning,” said Maui, Molokai and Lanai Regional Director Venus Rosete-Medeiros.

“We see a bright future across the pae’aina.”

For a list of other resources, visit www.ksbe.edu/maui_molokai_lanai/.