ʻĀina Based Education COMMUNITY for hawaiʻi nei
What is ʻĀina-Based Education?
ʻĀina-Based Education can be defined in many ways, one of which “teaching and learning through ‘āina so that our people, our communities, and our lands and waters thrive.” 1 In essence, it has been practiced by kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) for centuries and is now gaining traction in our schools. Educators who are skilled in it see their students thrive in multiple subject areas while developing skills in social and emotional learning. Educators themselves flourish through expanded relationships with their peers and community partners.
ʻĀina-Based Education can ignite passion for green careers and build a long-term ethic of aloha ʻāina that is needed now perhaps more than ever before.
1Modified from definition provided by Herb Lee, Executive Director, Pacific American Foundation
HOW MIGHT WE . . . .
build on the momentum for ʻĀina-Based Education
to meet the needs of educators and students in times of a changing climate
and other challenges?
Creating the ʻĀina-Based Education Certificate
Modeled loosely after Environmental Education Certificate programs in other states,
we are developing Hawaiʻi's-own – ʻĀina-Based Education Certificate (ABEC).
A grassroots, ground-up effort!
What: A way to recognize and reward educators and students who demonstrate aloha ʻāina – sustaining Hawaiʻi’s unique environment, culture, & people
Why: To elevate ʻāina-based education as a foundational part of education in our schools and engage students meaningfully in life-long learning
How: Professional Development programs, Nomination, Other ways (TBD)
Who: Designed to serve formal educators (teachers) and non-formal educators (e.g. educators at non-profits and government agencies) as well as students grades 10 and up.
Diversity and inclusion is fundamental, reaching teachers and students from communities throughout Hawaiʻi and involving a wide range of partner organizations to provide outdoor and hands-on training opportunities. While this project is centered on professional development, its impact could be systemic, elevating the prominence of ABE and making it more accessible and commonly practiced. ABE can ignite passion for conservation careers and build a long-term conservation ethic for Hawaiʻi that is needed perhaps more than ever before.
