This pilot program began because Ku'uipo saw the need to provide an activity for the keiki who live in her neighborhood. She teaches part time in the Department of Education Hawaiian Studies Program. One day, on her way home, she saw a number of  her students hanging out on the road side. She stopped to greet them, and learned they all live in the area. She asked what they were they doing. They replied, "Nothing." She realized that there was an opportunity to create an enriching after school program for the neighborhood keiki. Later, she saw her student's parent and shared the idea of starting a keiki kalo crew. The parent loved the idea and offered to inform the other parents. They had a successful parent and keiki meeting, and the program was born. They meet every other Wednesday after school. They have created a walking school bus and gather at the gate to present their oli kāhea to ask permission to enter. Ku'uipo intends for this program to be fun, exciting, and culturally enriching. She hopes to connect the keiki to the lo'i and Mother Earth. She also hopes they will learn to appreciate nature, where our food comes from, and what it takes to grow your own food. She wants them to learn how to be good stewards of the land by developing a relationship with Mother Earth through aloha 'āina concepts and activities, such as, kalo cultivation, crafts, mele, oli, hula, and art.

If you would like to help support this program, please click on the donation button today!

Mahalo!