Need Ideas?
Here are some ideas for potential projects that have recently come up. We will be adding to this list as ideas are provided. Please contact Ms. Haines-Swatek (ehaines@kkhs.k12.hi.us) for contact info if not listed.
Arts
- Kalama Bathroom Project- "I propose that Kekaulike Seniors return to Kalama and do bathroom artwork which delivers positive messages to our students. As we know, middle school is a very difficult time for adolescents and we teachers find many students hiding in the bathrooms. I feel that if we created bathroom doors with positive messages, students may feel a boost in self esteem. Allowing Kekaulike seniors to do this art piece is much more meaningful than having professionals come in and paint, because the majority of Kekaulike graduates were once Kalama students, used these bathrooms, and maybe even hid in them at some time." Picture here.
- Updating and refreshing on-campus murals.
STEM
- Makawao School and Haiku School STEM Nights - organize STEM activities for elementary students and parents.
- Classes to help elderly people navigate their phones and internet.
Social Change
- We dine together- start a KKHS club to create a positive social atmosphere on campus. Check out their website https://www.wedinetogether.org/
Volunteering
- Volunteer with the Maui Blue Zone Project who's mission is to create healthier communities.
- The director of children's services at Ka Hale A Ke Ola is looking for volunteers to play with children at KHAKO and help with homework. Misty Bannister <Misty.Bannister@khako.org>
- KHAKO also needs volunteers to host community dinners: https://www.khako.org/ways-to-give/community-groups-dinner-sponsorship/
Environment/Recycling
Service Project/ maybe an Event:
With Maui's recycling programs being cut so drastically, Maui has tons of plastic and other waste that could be reused, but not recycled. It would be great for a student to figure out how to get items that can be re-used for arts and crafts (small plastic and glass containers like for yogurt) into the hands of preschool and elementary school teachers and/or crafters who could use them. Maybe an event could be an "arts supply exchange" day - like a clothing swap but a swap of odds and ends (paper towel rolls, plastic bread tabs, yogurt containers) and craft supplies (like partially used paints/glues/etc.).
A similar event would be to host a keiki event where kids can "play with trash" (make arts and crafts items) and learn about protecting the environment.
Some resources:
Community Needs/Issues
Diaper Drive: In coordination w/ KHAKO, or another organization, conduct a diaper drive. Students could learn about the "diaper gap" in this country and ways to address that. Ideally, Maui needs a diaper bank, perhaps through partnership with Maui Food Bank. That would be a large undertaking for an ambitious student. Resources: https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/how-to-host-a-diaper-drive/, https://diapergap.org/, https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/, https://hawaiidiaperbank.org/ , https://www.alohadiaperbank.org/
If any students are interested in construction/home renovation, I wonder if the Maui County Office on Aging or the MEO Energy Assistance Program needs volunteers to make repairs for kupuna receiving their services. It might be worth exploring if you have students with those interests.
Several of the Maui nonprofits serving children and families need additional help during the holidays with collecting, wrapping, and delivering gifts to families. They also sometimes need volunteers for holiday parties. If any students are interested in this or in other opportunities related to nonprofits that serve families.