In a creative attempt to deepen the understanding of Hawaii rich cultural heritage, the Native Hawaiian Place of Learning (NHPoL) University Funding Office Hawaii at Mānoa has launched a monthly social media campaign to promote learning and networking. The Hawaiian Calendar Event Moʻolelo The project will include contributions on NHPoL‘s Instagram (@nhpolmanoa), which highlights significant Native Hawaiian cultural, historical, or commemorative events. Viewers are then invited to participate by sharing their own moʻolelo (Stories) inspired by the event presented.
“This project is the result of conversations on campus and the realization that we need to learn more about Hawaii while celebrating the diversity of our communities,” said Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe, Director of NHPoL.
Inspiring moʻolelo
NHPoL The project debuted in May with a post honoring the late Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lakes lā hānau (birthday). Readers were asked to share stories about influential wahine (female leaders) in their culture, family or community. The post asked users to reflect on the wisdom these wahine have passed on and how they have served as a source of inspiration. One of the responses came from Wiliama Sanchez, a staff writer at UH Mānoas Department of Student Success.
Sanchez’s contribution in May 2024:
“My mother really taught me what it means to genuinely care for myself, my family and my community. Every morning before I go to work she tells me, ‘Raise the Lāhui.’ My mother dedicated her life to caring for the children of Hawaii as a social worker at the youth welfare office.”
Bringing connections to life
The driving force behind this initiative is Kamakani Albano, a PhD student in political science who leads the project at NHPoL.
“I hope that by sharing our different stories, we will remember our Kuleana (responsibility), Hawaii and her keiki (children) as she breathes life into the connections we have with each other across cultures, ʻāina (land) and genealogies,” Albano said.
Connect with NHPoL
NHPoL promotes the UH The Mānoa community is asked to keep an eye on the monthly posts and share their stories via direct message on Instagram. Responses will also be posted on: NHPoL‘s website.
