HELCO Supports Ku‘ikahi School Mediation Program

Keonepoko Elementary School fifth-grader Caleilah-Estelle Ahyee in school year 2016-17.. Courtesy photo.

The non-profit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center received a $1,500 grant from Hawai‘i Electric Light Company to support its East Hawai‘i Peer Mediation Elementary School Program.

The program brings conflict resolution and prevention skills to students, developing peacemakers in East Hawai‘i schools.

“I have learned as a peer mediator to let the students solve their own problems and not be rude and disrespectful,” said fifth-grader Caleilah-Estelle Ahyee. “I improved my communication and behavior by not interrupting conversations and to be patient when people are talking.I am proud to be a peer mediator because I can make the world better.”

During the 2016-17 school year, 42 fourth, fifth and sixth graders were trained on how to mediate disputes among students at Kapiolani and Keonepoko Elementary Schools. In the coming school year, Mountain View will also participate.

“We appreciate Hawai‘i Electric Light’s ongoing commitment to working with local charities and other non-profit organizations toward a vision of a better Hawai‘i,” said Ku‘ikahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell.

“Peer mediation directly contributes to Hawai‘i Electric Light’s focus on community programs aimed at promoting educational excellence. Our East Hawai‘i Peer Mediation Program helps keiki reach their full potential,” said Mitchell.

About Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center
Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s mission is to empower people to come together—to talk and to listen, to explore options, and to find their own best solutions. To achieve this mission, Ku‘ikahi offers mediation, facilitation, and training to strengthen the ability of diverse individuals and groups to resolve interpersonal conflicts and community issues. For more information, call Ku‘ikahi at 935-7844 or go online.