If you are planning for ten years, plant Koa.
If you are planning for a hundred years, teach the children."
--- A Hawaiian Proverb.
The program began in 1986 through the collaborative efforts of Makaha Elementary School, the Waianae Coast Community Mental Health Center, and Hoa 'Aina O Makaha ("Land Shared in Friendship"), a land-based community project located adjacent to the school.
Makaha Elementary School provides a full-time Science resource teacher for the program. Some supply money and other support services are provided by the school.
The Wai'anae Coast Community Mental Health Center, through its substance abuse program, provides a full time prevention specialist for the program. It also provides administrative support services.
Hoa 'Aina O Makaha provides the 3 acres of land that is used for the program, as well as some additional support services.
The program offers Makaha Elementary students a full curriculum on the Hoa 'Aina farm that is a hands-on learning of science. It includes learning respect for the land, the interrelationship between living creatures and their environment, and caring for the earth and for each other. The program is built on the beliefs that the strengths of the children and of the community are in their cultural values, and that the prevention of substance abuse is best accomplished through building self-esteem and through imparting the skills and knowledge that will enable participants to make healthy life choices.
Each grade level, from Kindergarten to the Sixth grade, has appropriate projects that reinforce the science skills and concepts they are learning. These projects include the kinds of skills and understanding found in small-scale farming, aquaculture, raising of livestock and the alternative uses of energy such as in solar heating and cooking. Each grade level has a garden project that involves planting, watering and harvesting a variety of vegetables which they take home with pride. Students also become aware of issues relating to the environment, hunger, health, and nutrition.
As many as five classes come to the Farm each day. Each class stresses cooperative work, and students are found to take their responsibilities seriously. Students with special problems benefit in particular because they feel more comfortable at the farm and they experience success in their work. The concept of e malama pono i ka aina ("taking care of the land") instills in each student a sense of pride and self-esteem. This concept is a primary traditional value of the early Hawaiian. This holistic approach to science provides all students with valuable skills, practical knowledge and the rediscovery of basic values.
