HONOLULU (KHON2) -- In Hawaiʻi, there is a special program called Hālau Hekili. This program is a fantastic partnership between Kailua High School, Windward Community College and the Purple Maiʻa Foundation.
They all came together to create a wonderful place for students who are eager to learn, grow and help their communities.
Hālau Hekili isn’t just any ordinary school. It is Hawaiʻi’s first middle college program where students can attend classes both at Windward Community College and Kailua High School.
Imagine going to high school and college at the same time! That’s what students at Hālau Hekili get to do. They are part of the Kailua High School community, but they also get to experience college life by taking classes on a real college campus.
The program is designed to help students not only finish high school but also earn college credits. By the time they graduate, they can even have an associate’s degree. This is like getting a head start on their future!
But it isn’t just about earning degrees.
The curriculum is special because it includes learning about Native Hawaiian culture and values. Students learn about traditional Hawaiian technologies and modern digital technologies and entrepreneurship. This helps them become well-rounded and prepared for an ever-changing world.
The heart of Hālau Hekili is based on a Hawaiian saying: “Aʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi”, which means “Not all learning happens in one school”.
This idea reminds everyone that learning happens everywhere, not only in a classroom. The whole community is involved in helping the students succeed. It is like having a big family that supports and cares for each student.
The very first group of ninth graders started their classes in 2023. There were 12 students, mostly from the Waimānalo community, which has many Native Hawaiian families.
The program also works closely with Mālama Honua Public Charter School to find these bright students. They want to create a learning space that is supportive and encouraging, especially for Native Hawaiian students, but also welcoming to everyone.
Hālau Hekili is more than just a school. It is a place where students could believe in themselves, gain important skills and become confident problem-solvers ready to make a difference in their communities. It is a place where dreams can grow and come true.
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And so, the story of Hālau Hekili continues, with students learning, thriving and building a brighter future for themselves and their communities, all while keeping the spirit of Hawaiʻi alive in their hearts.