Among the hundreds of students who earned their diplomas during the December 2013 UH Manoa commencement ceremony was a small group of veteran teachers. Kuuleimomi Kanahele, Leiala Kaohelaulii, Lulu Kelley, and Kaipolani Pahulehua successfully completed the requirements for a bachelor’s
Among the hundreds of students who earned their diplomas during the December 2013 UH Manoa commencement ceremony was a small group of veteran teachers. Kuuleimomi Kanahele, Leiala Kaohelaulii, Lulu Kelley, and Kaipolani Pahulehua successfully completed the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in education. This cohort of Niihau teachers was driven by a sense of purpose outside of professional gain.
In an effort to protect and preserve Niihau School under the No Child Left Behind Act, these teachers began their participation in a unique program five and a half years ago. Spearheaded by Hookulaiwi Center for Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Education in the College of Education, the program gained the support of many government agencies, including the Hawaiii State Legislature, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Education, Hawaii Teachers Standards Board, and the University of Hawaii. Owners and families of Niihau also came together in support of these teachers and their school.
“My experience in the College of Education has been a great and life changing experience,” Kanahele said. “I have learned so much through the guidance of numerous UH Manoa faculty. Our last year in the program was also a success because of the COE’s financial support. There were so many obstacles, but it was worth it.”
