More than 40 Hawai‘i Island police officers recently participated in the first-ever comprehensive training program on Micronesian culture through Hawai’i Island Community Health Center.
This inaugural initiative was conducted by the Hawai’i Island Community Health Center’s Health Equity team to bridge cultural gaps and improve interactions with the Micronesian community on Hawai‘i Island.
The health center collaborated with Capt. Roy Valera, local Micronesian leaders and cultural experts to design the training program.
“We want to equip our officers with an understanding of the culture and to better address the Micronesian community when responding to calls of service,” said Valera. “This training is an important first step towards understanding a different culture and their value system.”
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Two days of training, one in East Hawai‘i and one in West Hawai‘i, provided police officers with in-depth knowledge about Micronesian history, traditions, and societal norms. Topics covered included the unique cultural practices of various Micronesian subgroups, the challenges faced by Micronesian immigrants, and effective communication strategies to foster trust and cooperation.
The half-day training sessions focused on building resource connections, debunking myths and unpacking misperceptions, solutions and possible future collaborations.
“We believe that education is the key to breaking down cultural barriers,” said Lee-Ann Noelani Heely, DM Director of Health Equity at the Hawai’i Island Community Health Center. “By providing this training, we hope to promote a mutual understanding and create a safer, more cohesive community for everyone.”
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