PAY IT FORWARD

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Literacy

Inspired by a literacy organization known as Laubach Literacy Action located in Syracuse, New York, Harry Chun-Hoon and Myrtle Lee organized a tutoring program in 1971 to teach people in Hawaii how to read. By 1979, Hawaii Literacy had over 80 tutors working with over 250 students. Today, the program has expanded its services to the islands of Oahu, Kauai, and as of June 2015, Kona. Hawaii Literacy's dedicated tutors work with more than 160 students at any given time. In the future, the organization plans to expand into the remaining areas of the state of Hawaii.

Image from http://www.hawaiiliteracy.org

Founded in 1939 by Violet Kam, Lanakila Pacific is a non-profit organization that builds independence and improves the quality of life for individuals with cognitive, physical, social, or age-related challenges. Violet Kam was a special education teacher who helped recuperate tuberculosis patients. Soon, her services expanded into a family of social programs, and today Lanakilia Pacific serves over 2,000 people each year.

Image from https://www.lanakilapacific.org

Lanakila Pacific advocates for people with disabilities because the organization strongly believes every person has the right to live his or her life to the fullest. Lanakila Pacific's programs include Lanakila Meals on Wheels, which aids seniors island-wide, Lanakila Teaching and Learning Centers, an education program that mimics workforce resources and a college structure, and hands-on job training.

Image from https://www.instagram.com/lanakilapacific

1. Lanakila Meals on Wheels is the largest island-wide food delivery program for seniors on Oahu. Volunteers drive and deliver hot, nutritious meals. In addition, Lanakila Kitchen provides a full-time catering service and makes the meals for the program. 
   **If you are interested in delivering, meal packaging, or shuttle driving, this program is for you!
   
   
2. The Lanakila Teaching and Learning Centers offer many classes that develop basic life skills often taken for granted, including communication skills, writing and math, housekeeping, grocery shopping, money management and more.
   **If you are interested in teaching classes, leading activities, or joining an event, this program is for you!
   
   
3. The Lanakila Workforce Resources program provides work experience for adults with disabilities who would otherwise have difficulty finding and keeping jobs. The program also offers pre-employment assessments, skill training, and job coaching for the adults, and works with local businesses to enhance job opportunities. The Lanakila Maintenance is hired to upkeep custodial and ground facilities, and Lanakila Custom Products create products with screen-printing, embroidery, and gift packaging. Both profits from these services directly support employment for people with challenged lives.
   **If you are interested in leading a job club, practicing interviews, or joining an event this is for you!
   

If volunteering at Lanakila Pacific interests you, please email volunteer@lanakilapacific.org, or fill out an application at https://www.lanakilapacific.org/volunteer.

Source

The organization first began with a seven-year-old boy named Chris Greicius, who wasn't expected to live long after being diagnosed with leukemia. Chris longed to become a police officer and "catch bad guys" with a close family friend and U.S. Customs Agent, Tommy Austin. Thanks to friends, family, and the community, Chris's wish was granted: He became Arizona's first and only honorary Department of Public Safety officer. Although Chris passed away shortly thereafter, his story inspired many who wanted to continue helping kids in similar situations. From there, the Make-A-Wish Foundation started to take shape.  (Click to read Make-A-Wish's original article.)

Chris Greicius, age 7 | Source

Make-A-Wish Hawaii
Location: 223 South King St. #100
Phone: (808) 537-3118
Website: www.hawaii.wish.org
Volunteer Opportunities | Other Ways to Help

A couple of student volunteers relax and chat before serving guests.

"The student servers play such an important role in the lū‘au. They probably walked miles to bring smiles, aloha, and ono food to the honored guests, and not once did I hear a single complaint. They create a bridge between the alumni and the present Punahou [students], which is a unique opportunity for those returning to their alma mater," said Lisha Moffat '92, Student Server Committee Chair.

As the end of the school year approached, Japanese 4 students were tasked with successfully organizing and executing a service learning project in the community. Not only did students incorporate their knowledge of Japanese culture and language, but they also engaged in the true spirit of community service: bringing joy to others.

Image by Cole Shintaku '17

After school on April 19, 2016, Averi, Jalvin, Cole, and I volunteered at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Children's Center. Since Children's Day was just around the corner, we decided to educate preschoolers about the origins, purpose, and customs of this special Japanese holiday.

Aria Fukumae '17 colors and assists preschoolers with their koinobori (carp streamers).

Every year on May 5, Kodomonohi or "Children's Day" is celebrated in Japan. On this day, families honor the health, growth, and happiness of their children. Upon arriving at the Children's Center, we first read Girls' Day/Boys' Day by Minako Ishii to teach the kids the traditions and significance of the holidays. Although originally solely for boys, the holiday's name was changed to "Children's Day" in 1948 to include both genders in the celebration.

Jalvin Sato '16 and Averi Salvador '17 read to students about Japanese Children's Day.

On this special day, colorful carp streamers, also known as koinobori, are hung outside homes to fly in the wind and bring good luck to the children living inside. Koi fish (carp) are believed to be strong spirited fish, revered for their determination. A legend states that the fish swim upstream and through powerful waterfalls to become dragons. Koinobori symbolize the desire for children to become brave and strong individuals.

Jalvin Sato '16 colors and assists preschoolers with their koinobori (carp streamers).

Next, we led the class in creating their own koinobori. Using crayons and markers, the kids colored their own koi to represent the determined fish that will turn into dragons.

Image by Cole Shintaku '17

In addition, sweets are traditionally eaten on this holiday for good luck, so our group made mochi to share with the preschoolers. When the kids were done coloring their koi, we tied it to a chopstick and their very own koinobori was complete!

Averi Salvador '17 helps children put their koinobori together.

Not only did we volunteer in our community, but we also taught kids about Japanese culture and traditions. Averi Salvador '17 shared, "It felt great to see their cute, smiling faces and make a difference in the community at the same time."

Acts of service and volunteering in the community have zero boundaries.

What does the word "we" mean to you? To some, it is when the hearts of many beat in unison and many people experience the same event together. To others, "we" can mean letting yourself go and losing yourself in something bigger. During the annual Memorial Day Lantern Floating Festival held on Oahu's south shore by Lantern Floating Hawaii, an average of 50,000 people come together to find a connection with those in the past, present, and future.

Memorial Day is a holiday during which Americans celebrate and honor those who have fallen in sake of his or her country. In Hawaii, the tradition has been modified slightly in an effort to encompass Hawaii's uniquely diverse population. The result is the Lantern Floating Festival. During this special event, people from a multitude of backgrounds and cultures come together to decorate paper lanterns with messages and to send them off into the gentle waves of the ocean.

Through the Luke Center, I volunteered to help with preparations for the 2016 Lantern Floating Festival. I arrived at the Shinnyo-en building in Downtown, Honolulu not knowing what I was getting myself into, but my worries were quickly washed away upon meeting all of the kind, hardworking volunteers and workers as well as the Punahou Key Club.

I was assigned the simple task of sticking slips of paper with the names and messages of the deceased onto the sides of pre-made lanterns. All the while, I conversed with other volunteers, sharing laughs and passing stories. After a short snack break, I was then asked to help write names and messages onto the slips of paper. Some were just names, while others were heartfelt messages, inside jokes, or even poems that people wished to share with their loved ones. Meanwhile, at the table next to me, volunteers were busy folding colorful paper cranes -- symbols of peace and prayers.


Although I have never attended the Lantern Floating Festival myself, I'm glad I was able to help out even a little by volunteering with the preparations. Everyone I met that day was very nice and talkative, and the work wasn't too taxing or difficult. I was able to feel connected in some way to the larger community. Whether you have lost someone special in your life, or just want to help out next year, the Lantern Floating Festival will accept you with open arms and smiles.

Source

I volunteered as a timekeeper from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. My job was to keep time for the students participating in the meet by using a stopwatch and timing cards. I began timing when the student presenter began speaking and turned the timing cards as the minutes passed to let he or she know how much time had gone by. After the presenter ended his or her speech, I wrote the elapsed time on the white board in the front of the room next to each presenter’s name listed.

Although this volunteer experience was not very difficult, my job as a timekeeper was crucial because it helped participants stay within the recommended time. I had a positive experience helping out with this event; it was interesting to hear the participants' speeches while also doing some community service.

All of the participants were very nervous so it felt good to volunteer and help them to be just a little less anxious!

Mrs. Yamamoto's second semester students were the first to ever experience this very unique and groundbreaking project.

Mrs. Yamamoto says she stumbled upon this project idea while looking for "pop-up makery" ideas.

"I just happened to be doing some research one day on 'makeries' and how to tell the story of what you learn. In doing so, I came across this organization, 'e-Nabling the Future.' I clicked on the link and saw the pictures of 3-D hands. Knowing that we had 3-D printers and people who knew how to use them, I decided to go for it and try this new project in my Anatomy class."

The 3-D printer on display at the Luke Center.

The project draws upon the knowledge students learn during the skeletal system and muscle system units and provides students with the opportunity to build something both tangible and useful for someone else.

Mrs. Yamamoto notes, "I have been intrigued by the idea of having students make something for a real audience. I think it's much more valuable for students to make something that serves a real purpose -- to help someone out -- rather than a piece of paper or poster that just goes to me, the teacher."

The scene in M-102 could only be described as "harmonious chaos" as students rushed back and forth finding pieces and using tools to secure or adjust strings and joints. The energy was palpable as pieces slowly began to take the shape of hands.

Students have enjoyed the project and had much positive feedback to share. Stephanie Iwasaki '16 said, "I thought it was a great experience because it allowed us to use technology to build something to help other kids in need."

Daniel Ota '16 also commented, "This was all really new to me. I didn't know you could make something like this with a 3D printer. I also liked the fact that we could customize our hands with different colors to make it more fun for the kids that receive them."

Mrs. Yamamoto holds a completed 3-D printed hand and an "e-Nabling" logo clip she printed herself.

Student and teacher volunteers at the IHS Carnival