the Hawai'i Green Collar Institute Returns... with Educators!

HGCI Educators get to know one another

 The Hawai'i Green Collar Institute returns this summer hosting a three-day workshop for educators from around O'ahu. In the workshop, educators were introduced to  the concept of "green collar" careers and opportunities by meeting green professions and participating in hands-on activities.

This program is run by Malama Learning Center and Halau 'Ike O Pu'uloa of Leeward Community College.

Our first day started out with inspiring stories of four different "green collar" career paths from around O'ahu.

We were so lucky to be joined by Kamuela Enos, Director of Community Resource Development at MA'O Organic Farms and Commissioner on the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Jeff Matsu, Lead Researcher, Hawai'i Green Jobs Initiative, Hawai'i Department of Labor, Rick Kaponowaiwaiola Barboza, General Partner, Hui Kū Maoli Ola, Hawaiian Plant Specialist, Vance Arakaki, Sustainability Coordinator of KYA Sustainability Studios

Elsie Ryder from Alu Like shared her organization and their curriculum: Ka Hana ‘Imi Na‘auao
With a hand-on activity, we learned learned to weave eight strands... each strand is strong but braided together the parts become much stronger, we as people are strong with individual knowledge and strengths, but together we can form a stronger community.  

Mahalo nui loa to all of our speakers for sharing your path and your amazing work.