Every year, WACUBO participates in a Service Project in connection with the Annual Conference. This year, we ask that you help us support the Kanu o ka ‘Āina New Century Public Charter School. Kanu o ka ‘Āina is a Hawaiian-focused, bi-lingual public charter school serving students in grades K-12 that teaches through an indigenous model, grounded in Hawaiian values and kuleana to the community. The school is located in Waimea on Hawai‘i Island.
Founded in 2000, Kanu o ka ‘Āina New Century Public Charter School was started by Dr. Kū Kahakalau and a group of educated Hawaiians whose vision was shaped on the Pedagogy of Aloha.
"Kanu o ka ‘āina" literally means “plants of the land” and figuratively refers to “natives of the land from generations back.” This name reflects the commitment towards perpetuating Hawaiʻi’s native language, culture, and traditions, and demonstrates efforts to assure that future generations of Waimea residents have the choice to remain natives of this land.
Kanu’s mission is to Kūlia i ka Nuʻu or strive for the highest. A philosophy of excellence guides Kanu as we collectively design, implement, and continuously evaluate a quality, culturally driven, intergenerational Hawaiian model of education with Aloha.
Kanu’s inclusive pedagogy blends cultural values and ideals with academic rigor, ‘āina-based learning, and innovative technology to develop connection, relevance, and meaning with haumāna (students) of all ethnic backgrounds. The K-12 curriculum is designed to allow haumāna to explore, make discoveries, and see connections between ideas. Haumāna are also taught to investigate, evaluate, and draw conclusions about nature in order to make sense of the physical world they live in.
By supporting Kanu o ka ʻĀina, we are helping to cultivate students who are not only academically prepared but also culturally grounded and community-minded. These are the very qualities that make for a successful college of students and future leaders.
Donations to Kanu o ka ʻĀina directly support programs and resources that enhance the educational experience for students. This includes things like cultural workshops, project/ʻāina-based learning, and environmental stewardship.
We are asking all members who can help to purchase items off the Amazon Wishlist. The shipping address is:
Kanu o ka 'Aina New Century Public Charter School
64-1043 Hiiaka Street
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
(808) 890-8144
Thank You to Our Service Project Contributor
