KKV’s Youth Services hosted the Waiwai Health Fellowship program. From June 5th to July 8th, 16 fellows with ties to Kalihi learned about community healthcare through the different departments and programs at KKV. During the 5-week program, students spent 2 to 3 hours each morning with leaders at Youth Services, Roots, Hoʻoulu ʻĀina, Maternal Child Health, and Elder Care. Then, the fellows would participate in a workshop or listen to a guest speaker in the afternoon. Community Education-Civic Engagement team member Misty Pegram led the group for the first time this year. “Even though our group was smaller this year, other program staff said it didn’t feel any different. The students were still so engaged and interested in things,” she said.  

Most of the fellows consist of juniors or seniors in high school and also include recent high school graduates. Pegram explained how even though they all came from different schools and had different cultural backgrounds, their connections to Kalihi created a bond between them. “The students came from a lot of different places. But it always felt like they knew and understood each other. They were there for each other.”  

Once the program ended, team members worked to digitize the fellows’ writing and reflections, so that they could look back on the work they did. Pegram says this was the most rewarding part of her summer with the fellows. She got to see how much they learned and grew through the program. “Waiwai gives kids an experience you can’t get anywhere else. I really enjoyed getting to know them.” She explained how Waiwai is special because it shows students that they have options for their future, even when they think college does not suit them. She hopes more programs can follow in Waiwai’s footsteps in the future.  

Youth Services: Pacific Voices

Pacific Voices also ran a summer program for their youth this year. The goal of the program was to teach youth about ancestral and cultural Micronesian practices, and to care for each other and the land. “The protocols are meant to uphold practices from ancestors & uplift culture. Protocols teach kids to have respect towards others,” said Pacific Voices Community Coordinator Paulina Perman. The youth learned to always start with an opening protocol, or chant, when entering a new space. Perman says the chants are used to honor elders, ask for blessings, and keep everyone safe.  

Twenty-five youth registered for the Pacific Voices Program this summer, which ran from June 26 to July 28th. They took part in many field trips to learn of the cultural significance of each place and how to care for the land. When they visited Loʻi Kalo Mini Park, the youth helped to cut the grass, pick up trash, and care for the kalo. They practiced protocol when visiting Sand Island and participating in Late Night Basketball. The program also performed at the Celebrate Micronesia Festival. The youth spent weeks preparing for their performance, which opened the festival and welcomed attendees.  

YOUTH Services: KVIBE

The KVIBE Wallabies hit the hardwood again this summer as part of the Late Night Basketball League. From June 14th to July 19th, boys from around Kalihi participated in practices and games in the competitive league. They were coached by KVIBE staff and mentors, including program coordinator Savelio “Nuki” Makasini. He says, just like KVIBE, the team was meant to be a place of belonging for the youth. “It was an opportunity for those who don’t usually get to play basketball for their schools or clubs.” Players were split into a senior team and a junior team. Three practices and one game were held each week throughout the 5-week league.  

As a first time-coach, Makasini says he had his fair share of obstacles. He recalled how difficult it was to communicate with more than 20 players and staff. But he was surprised to see that the boys always had each other’s backs and constantly checked in on one another. “Most of the youth are related or close friends, so we always figured out ways to do it. We relied on our community to get the word out. They’re always checking in on each other, going to each other's houses.” 

Despite all their efforts this summer, the Wallabies came up short in the championship game. But Makasini says he’s proud of his team and what they were able to accomplish. “This summer we had more practices, and more kids came out. I could tell they were actually excited to play.” The whole summer wasn’t just about basketball for the boys. They also participated in ocean clean ups and went on exciting field trips with the other youth programs at KKV.   

That’s another summer in the books at KKV! Although each program focused on teaching youth different things, all the youth were all able to learn about the importance of community and caring for one another. KKV is so proud to be uplifting and teaching the next generation!