HONOLULU (HI Now) - When keiki learn on the aina, lessons can reach beyond the classroom.
At Makaha Elementary, every grade visits Hoa Aina O Makaha weekly to explore farming, nutrition and agriculture, and sometimes learn by making musubi or observing pollination.
The decades-long partnership gives students a safe place to connect with their community and the land. Hoa Aina O Makaha Executive Director Chelsey Jay, who grew up in Waianae, says serving the community that raised her lets her put that love into action. Makaha Elementary Principal Leslie Ziu, a Teach For America Hawaii alum, says students show curiosity, collaborate and come alive in the farm’s outdoor learning space.
As Teach For America Hawaii marks 20 years, Jay and Ziu see room to keep growing the partnership while honoring the work that came before. Learn more at Teach For America Hawaii or on Instagram at @tfahawaii and @hoaainaomakaha.
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