School: Waiʻanae Elementary School
Grade Level: Grade 3
Teacher:Kacie Fujino and Ruth Madeira
Driving Question: How do we, as global citizens and empowered keiki, nourish and uplift our community through ʻāina, māla, and art?
What did the students DO?
This joyful PALS group has been cultivating wellness through a beautiful blend of ʻāina care, kitchen creativity, and meaningful art. Grounded in mālama ʻāina and pilina, students nurtured their school māla, explored healthy recipes using locally available ingredients, and expressed themselves through hands-on art projects. By weaving together garden work, cooking, and artistic creation, they are not only building essential skills but also uplifting themselves and their community in the process.
- Māla Maintenance and ʻĀina Care: Students spent time each week watering, weeding, and maintaining the garden. Their aloha ʻāina was demonstrated through hands-on care and responsibility, pulling weeds and tending to plants with dedication and teamwork.
- Cooking with Local Ingredients: In the classroom kitchen, students prepared fun and healthy dishes like banana lumpia, fruit-filled yogurt parfaits, strawberry banana Nutella crepes, and veggie stir fry. These activities supported wellness, cultural learning, and family sharing.
- Creative Expression Through Art: Students created art with natural materials and watercolor paintings of fruits and vegetables. They also made friendship bracelets and Easter egg crafts to spread joy and celebrate seasonal traditions.
- Bonding Through Seasonal Projects: The group enjoyed working together on festive projects such as gingerbread house decorating, strengthening their pilina and celebrating community through creativity.
- Rainbow Run for Mind & Body Wellness: As part of the ALL PALS field experiences, the group participated in the Rainbow Run at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. They trained with endurance sports and mile relays to support physical health and wellness.
- Cultural Enrichment Through Field Trips: Students visited the Bishop Museum to explore Hawaiian cultural practices and attended the Nānākuli Performing Arts Center’s production of Once On This Island, engaging with the arts as a way to uplift spirit and identity.
This vibrant and caring group embodied the values of mālama ʻāina, aloha, and communal wellness. Through their garden stewardship, culinary creations, and artistic expression, they cultivated not only tangible skills but also emotional and spiritual growth. Their commitment to uplifting one another and giving back through thoughtful action speaks to their role as empowered keiki and global citizens.
