First Hawaiian Bank Foundation Funds School Mediation Program

Caleilah-Estelle Ahyee. Courtesy photo.

First Hawaiian Bank Foundation provided $7,500 to the peer mediation elementary school program sponsored by Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, a Hilo nonprofit that serves East Hawai‘i.

“We appreciate your commitment to teach children dispute prevention and conflict resolution through peaceful means,” said FHB Foundation President Sharon Shiroma Brown.

During the 2017, 2018 school year, FHB Foundation support will enable fourth, fifth, and sixth graders being trained as peer mediators at Kapiolani, Keonepoko, Mountain View and Na Wai Ola elementary schools.

“I have learned as a peer mediator to let the students solve their own problems and not be rude and disrespectful,” said Caleilah-Estelle Ahyee, a fifth grader at Keonepoko Elementary School.  “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.”

Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s mission is to empower people to come together to talk and listen, to explore options and to find their own best solutions.  For more information, call (808) 935-7844 or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.