Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Practices ʻĀina-Based Learning at Waimānalo Learning Center April 8, 2024
The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ (CTAHR) Waimānalo Learning Center was initiated in 2012 and has welcomed thousands of community members to improve awareness of the learning center’s research activities, and to support ‘āina-based education for our keiki and their ‘ohana. Current research and other activities include breeding and selecting food crops for sustainable local production, apiculture (Bee Program), bioenergy crops, certified organic agriculture, aquaponics, and beginner farmer training.
On February 26, 2024, the Nā Pono No Nā ‘Ohana Program visited WLC to learn about canoe and medicinal plants. Aunty Ilima Ho-Lastimosa, Community Coordinator and native to Waimānalo, shared the uses of ‘olena, niu, ulu, kukui, mamaki, and many other canoe and la’au plants with the families. The keiki used their senses to kilo (observe) the environment. They gathered ‘olena (turmeric) and kukui, got to feel the prickly outer skin of a soursop, and held millipedes as they dug in the lepo (dirt). Program participant Makoa McCallister’s makuahine (mother) shared, “I liked finding the different color ‘olena with my son.” The families supported outdoor learning by encouraging keiki to be free, explore, and investigate. It was a great day to be outdoors!
Written by: Cheri Richards