Hoa Aina O Makaha

Na keiki O ka'aina (children of the land) - is the core program of the organization, its principles are based on the traditional Hawaiian values of malama Aina: caring for the land and each other. Resources and practical hands-on activities enhancing classroom lesson plans are offered as curriculum. This program has inspired thousands of Makaha elementary students for over 30 years and has also been used as a template for the farm to school garden initiative popularized 20 years later by several nonprofit organizations throughout Hawaii. Ke ala (the way) - the learning center was established in 1996 as an extension of the na keiki O ka 'Aina program to visiting schools. Ke ala is a classroom without walls holding space for over 4,000 students every year. A delicate relationship between humans and the environment is observed by both private and public schools all over oahu when they learn how to respect the land through hands-on activities at the farm. The curriculum highlights three subjects: animal + plant care, cultural history of the Hawaiian islands, and environmental science solutions. U-pick (farm to basket experience) - growing your own food became a popular topic in 2020 when the world was on lockdown. The farms small yet mighty staff cultivated and sold 400 lbs of produce every week for one year to sustain waianae coast comprehensive health centers keiki pantry program. This emergency distribution of food stopped at the end of may 2021 as the farm transitioned into their third successful u-pick experience. A total of eight donation-based educational events took place within its pilot year of operating. Guests are welcome to harvest from designated fields, assist farmers with planting, learn health benefits/recipes of whatever is in their baskets, and take starters home for their gardens. Places (placed-based learning and comminuty engagement in school) and pals (placed-based afterschool literacy support) programs - the waianae community holds an incredible wealth of spiritual, cultural, and intellectual capital. When students, through the guidance and support of community mentors, are connected to that wealth including its histories, strengths, and challenges they learn to love their place and their people. And when people love something, they are more likely to take care of it. This is the traditional Hawaiian value known as aloha `Aina, meaning love for the land and its people. It is a practice that utilizes the skills and talents of the entire community, all responsibly working together in harmony, with a commitment for the present and a heart for the generations yet to come.