Aloha Kakou,
As 2015 comes to a close, we would like to mahalo (thank) those who have supported our Mele Murals vision and our opio (youth).
It has been a busy year for Mele Murals. In 2015, we completed seven Mele Murals across our pae aina (islands); three on Hawaii Island, three on Oahu and one on Kauai. The project-based, culture-based and place-based learning approach of Mele Murals has positively impacted communities from Hilo to Anahola. Close to 600 haumana (students) from public, private and Hawaiian-focused charter schools and universities were given the opportunity to collaborate with local artists, musicians and kupuna to create these series of murals that preserve the mele (music) and moolelo (stories) of Hawaii.
The Mele Mural’s programs non-conventional approach to teaching and learning has been accepted on campuses such as The University of Hawaii at Hilo (Hilo), Kanuikapono Charter School (Anahola), Cathedral Catholic Academy (Nuuanu) and Kaimuki High School (Kaimuki).
In 2016, Mele Murals is excited to partner with schools and communities on Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island and Oahu.
Mahalo to our partners for allowing us to empower our youth, inspire our communities and preserve our Hawaiian culture: The State of Hawaii Grant in Aid, The Hawaii Tourism Authority, The University of Hawaii at Hilo, HouseMart, Ace Hardware and Ben Franklin Crafts, Montana Cans and Art Alternatives.
Lastly, we could not do our work without you and the support from our community. To continue educating youth and sharing the stories of Mele Murals, we ask that you share this link to Donate to the Estria Foundation and our Mele Murals program.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Estria Miyashiro
Founder / Executive Director