On Oct. 22023, the first high school virtual knowledge, Pacific exchange between Kamehameha-Kapālama and Yap Catholic School, initiated.
Serving Hoʻokahua Cultural Vibrancy Division of Kamehameha Schools, Kumu Kaleo Kauahi-Daniels, hosted this event in partnership with Yap’s school principal, Kumu Michael.
Leading the zoom meeting with the ʻoli: “E Hō Mai,” students specifically from the FestPac club, welcomed students from the island of Yap–an island west of the Hawaiian chain. After receiving the chant, a Yap student led pule with the hui to start off the session. Kumu Kaleo gave a brief introduction of KS advisors: Jamie Fong, Kumu Kapualani Reeves, and Mr. Lai, before announcing the “outcome” of this exchange is for students to create “nurturing relationships beyond our own communities to increase students’ global competency and awareness of our shared Oceanic identity.” After sharing a video showcasing the middle school exchange last year, Kumu Michael broke down what the students will be doing between 1:40 pm to 2:30 pm.
Students went into breakout rooms, introducing themselves to their assigned group, and jumping into their main task: a goal to create “framework” for their own virtual exchange, like the one they are in now, affected by stipulations. The first exchange is between “Grade 7 or 8 students,” the second requirement is for “Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 students,” third being a “Technology Challenge” in which “One classroom only has access to 1 computer that will be used to have the entire class participate.” The last topic is based on an understanding that “students will be participating from FOUR or more different high school groups,” – keeping in mind that future advisors and students will use these four designs to hold future meetings with schools who may be challenged in some way.
From the meeting, Grade 10 KS student, Benjamin Ulufale, learned “that the law that YAP has that prohibits the selling of land and properties to foreigners.” Ulufale explained “I wish that we had something like that so that we can keep our ‘āina in the hands of our kanaka.”
A third session is in the works.
