Kulaniakea

Kulaniakea is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing indigenous education, particularly focusing on Native Hawaiian communities. It operates a preschool and kindergarten in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, with a mission to strengthen and uplift the Hawaiian identity through culture-based education.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Kulaniakea is to heal generational trauma among Native Hawaiians by strengthening their identity through the study of ʻike kūpuna (ancestral wisdom). Its vision focuses on nurturing courageous and caring individuals guided by Hawaiian values and purpose, serving the Native Hawaiian community (lāhui).

Educational Programs

Kulaniakea offers multi-generational, dual-language (Hawaiian and English) educational programs. The organization's preschool is accredited by the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Commission, ensuring high-quality early childhood education. It utilizes outdoor classrooms and cultural activities to promote a connection with nature and Hawaiian culture. Additionally, Kulaniakea creates educational materials to facilitate the learning of Hawaiian language and cultural practices, such as voyaging and navigation.

Impact

Kulaniakea's educational approach emphasizes the spiritual, cultural, intellectual, social, emotional, and character development of children. It aims to foster a strong sense of identity and cultural awareness in young Native Hawaiians. The organization's programs are designed to be scalable, with plans to extend services to elementary and middle school age students in the future.

Governance

Kulaniakea operates with strong financial accountability and governance practices, as reflected in its high ratings from independent evaluators. The organization adheres to rigorous standards for financial management, ensuring that donations are effectively utilized.

Guiding Principles

Kulaniakea's guiding principles include Aloha kekahi i kekahi (love one another), Kūlia i ka nuʻu me ka ʻoiaʻiʻo (stand for excellence and truth), Kū haʻaheo me ka haʻahaʻa (stand with pride and humility), Mahalo i ka mea i loa‘a (be thankful for what you have), and Mālama Honua no nā mamo (take care of the earth for the generations).

Recognition

Kulaniakea has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, highlighting its strong performance in accountability and financial management. This recognition underscores the organization's commitment to transparency and effectiveness in achieving its mission.