New Friendships, Shared Stories: Pueblo of Jemez Delegation Visits Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool in Panaʻewa December 10, 2025

On October 23, our Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool site in Panaʻewa on Hawaiʻi Island welcomed more than 20 guests from the Pueblo of Jemez tribe and the Delegation of New Mexico’s early learning and education partners. During their time with us, our visitors experienced how Tūtū and Me creates a joyful, family-centered learning space for keiki (children) ages birth to five and their caregivers.

Our guests joined keiki and ʻohana and observed a Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) program in action. They watched our teaching team integrate early literacy, math, art, and science with Hawaiian values through playful, hands-on experiences that keep parents and caregivers deeply engaged in their keiki’s learning.

“We had a wonderful visit from the delegation yesterday. The hui visited our Panaʻewa site and then returned to our Home Visiting office for further discussion,” shared Amanda Ishigo, Project Director of Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool. “It was an honor to share our work and be inspired by the progressive ways they are supporting families in their own community.

Visits like this deepen understanding of Hawaiʻi’s families and the importance of community-based early learning opportunities. By observing how keiki and caregivers learn together, the Pueblo of Jemez Delegation gained valuable insight into how programs like Tūtū and Me help build a strong foundation for school success, while honoring culture and ʻohana.

Mahalo nui loa to our guests of the Pueblo of Jemez Delegation for spending time with our keiki, ʻohana, and staff on Hawaiʻi Island. We are grateful for partners (and now friends) who share our commitment to inspiring and equipping families through culturally grounded, relationship-based learning.

To learn more about Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool and ways to support our mission, visit pidf.org/tutuandme.