BRIGHT SPOT: NO KE OLA PONO O NĀ KEIKI FIELD DAYS
In order for our students to thrive, their health and stability is foundational — and a complex mix of social, economic, and pandemic-related pressures has made that foundation precarious.
And it’s not just our students, but also those who support their success, like their families, neighbors, and teachers.
What better way to uplift everyone than by coming together to host fun elementary school field days? Led by the West Hawaii Department of Education district office, these GEER Grant-funded* “No Ke Ola Pono O Nā Keiki” — roughly translated as “For the Health of Our Children” field day events include activities, sports equipment, and refreshments for students, teachers, and school staff.
We missed being together with students and community members, so we were excited to begin venturing back onto campuses these last couple of months. This spring semester, we’ve been honored to help dedicated school staff, student leaders, and many volunteer organizations and agencies with 5 events and counting! So far, we’ve had fun with Paʻauilo, Honokaʻa, Kohala, Kahakai, and Waimea Elementary schools, with more coming up.
Kohala field day. We had lots of help from awesome students from the high school!
Obstacle course for keiki at Honokaʻa.
We know that wellness and education are stronger together. Healthy students are better able to succeed academically, socially, and personally. Physical education can improve academic scores and classroom behaviors. And we all know how important recreation is for relieving stress and enjoying life.
These field days were designed to foster a culture of wellness and bring the community together. Field days are not just about exercise, but also socializing, learning healthy behaviors, connecting with community volunteers, and just getting some time to take a break and have fun with one another. Social-Emotional Wellness has many facets!
Volunteers enjoying iced coffee. Each event featured a refreshment table with drinks and goodies for staff!
There are too many people to thank for making these events possible! The community really stepped up to put on these events through heat, rain, and long early morning drives. We are so grateful and inspired by how all these people keep working together for haumana, kumu, and everybody that makes a school successful.
School staff and volunteers from various agencies pose at Paʻauilo.
Feeling inspired to help schools and students boost their wellbeing? There are many ways to help inside and outside of schools. Asking your local schools or afterschool programs how is a great way to start. It is going to take all of West Hawaiʻi to uplift our youth; we can’t do it without support from every community member, family, business, and organization.
Want to donate for future No Ke Ola Pono O Nā Keiki events, or get in touch for any reason? Visit our contact page.
*Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) innovation grants sprang from funds provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The grants were for educational institutions in the state to innovatively address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on school services. Learn more at https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-governor-ige-invests-8-1-million-in-31-innovative-education-programs/
