A student-led project that teaches keiki their ABCs through Hawaiʻi-based images and text is expanding with the help of a County of Hawaiʻi partnership.

The “Aloha Alphabet,” initiated by the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (DOE) West Hawaiʻi Complex Area, features ABC posters, banners and card decks that reflect Hawaiʻi communities and culture – such as “Affectionate Aunty” for the letter “A” and “Keiki Kalo” for “K.” Created by students at Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School, the educational materials are being installed at elementary schools in the West Hawaiʻi Complex and shared with the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System.

Following a presentation to Mayor Kimo Alameda earlier this year, the County stepped forward to support the effort by agreeing to display Aloha Alphabet banners at park facilities most frequented by young keiki. The County recently installed its first set of 26 banners – one for each letter – at the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens in Hilo.

The Aloha Alphabet project involved 52 high school students enrolled in Honokaʻa’s Digital Design Pathway program. Through their project-based learning journey, the students visited elementary classrooms, collaborated with Hawaiian cultural experts and educators, and gathered feedback.

The posters at the zoo were installed by student volunteers from the Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science.

 

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Kimo Alameda