Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 6, 1 June 2011 — New column dedicated to youth [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

New column dedicated to youth

OHA is committed to supporting our 'ōpio (youth) and building the capacity ofourfuture generations to ensure our community and beloved nation remain strong. In December, OHA welcomed Joe Kūhiō Lewis to its Community Outreach team tofocus on reaching out to and engaging the youth. Here he shares

his ideas for raising a generation of vibrant Hawaiians, and he introduces his new monthly eolumn, Ka Māla Pulapula, focused entirely on youth. Aloha nō! I am blessed to have been raised by my kūpuna in beautiful Nu'uanu. My grandma and grandpa instilled in me the importance of being loving and compassionate to others. I've held on

to these values and incorporate them in the decisions I make every day. When I heeame a father, my passion for making a positive difference in the lives of our 'ōpio heeame evident. The opportunity to work

directly with our youth is not only a kuleana but a genuine privilege. Building a solid foundation is critical for our youth to succeed. Our future depends on

the legacy that mākua (parents) and kūpuna (grandparents) leave for our youth to build upon. I also

recognize the incredible influence the youth have on eaeh

other. To help address these needs

6raphic: Nelly 6.

of our 'opio, OHA is launching the

Youth Corner, a regular feature in Ka Wai Ola. Titled Ka Māla Pulapula, this translates to "a sprouting patch." This metaphor allows us to envision a nation flourishing with healthy and vibrant young

people. This

eolumn will address the youths' need for a platform to express their views, share their mana'o and identify what programs and services are in plaee to assist them. It will also provide support and guidance

for those seeking to take advantage

of available resources. Eaeh month Ka Māla

Pulapula will feature 'ōpio events and activities, workshops designed for 'ōpio, scholarship opportunities and programs that help 'ōpio be community contributors so thev

ean excel socially, civically and academically. Ka Māla Pulapula will also feature outstanding youth that are working to make a positive difference in their community. Please submit events, workshops, deadlines, scholarships and recommend youth that ean be featured in this regular eolumn. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me at (808) 594-1835. Ea kākou! ■

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j KA MĀLA PULAPULA v > Y0UTH C0RNER f

By Jdē Kūhiō Lewis ŪHA Youth Cūūrdinatūr

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