Kanu o ka Aina Learning Ohana receives Hawaiian-focused charter school grant

Kanu o ka Aina Learning Ohana in Waimea has been awarded $2,850,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to support Hawaiian Focused Charter Schools.

The purpose of Hawaiian-Focused Public Charter School Fund Administration – Phase II is to
administer charter school funds for unmet facilities-related needs. This project aligns with Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Strategic Direction of Educational Pathways 2: Support education through Hawaiian language medium and focused charter schools, Outcome 2.1: Adequately resourced Hawaiian focused Charter Schools and Hawaiian medium schools, including the funding of transportation, special education, facilities, and meals, and availability of qualified teachers.

“This award is crucial as it provides essential facilities support to our Hawaiian Focused Charter Schools. As these schools do not receive State facilities funding, they face mounting facility needs. With this grant, we can address these challenges and ensure our students have safe and conducive learning environments that honor our Hawaiian traditions and values,” said Nancy Levenson, CIO at Kanu o ka ‘Āina Learning ‘Ohana.

Kanu o ka ‘Āina Learning ‘Ohana, or KALO, was incorporated in 2000. KALO’s main programs include Mālamapōki’i, a family-based preschool program; Kaho‘iwai – Center for Adult Teaching and Learning, which offers teacher licensing, professional development, a Masters in educational leadership degree with Chaminade University and other adult education programs; Ho‘ola project which provides a variety of after-school, evening and intersession programs to hundreds of children, youth and adults on four islands at Native Hawaiian-focused charter schools serving students on Moloka’i, Kaua’i, O’ahu and Hawai’i Island.