HCAP WEEKLY August 17, 2020

Nā Lima Hana Participant Receives Tuition Assistance for Kapi`olani Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Certification
HCAP Head Start Begins the 2020-2021 School Year Virtually
Leahi District Council Members Provide COVID-19 Resources to Community
Bugs for Breakfast: Hā Initiative Students Learn How Insects Can Create Global Food Security

Nā Lima Hana Participant Receives Tuition Assistance for Kapi`olani Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Certification

One of the barriers low-income students face is paying for college tuition. Our Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program (ECS) is responding to this need by offering tuition assistance to qualifying students so they can further their education with less financial burden.

Meihui is a student currently attending Kapi`olani Community College’s Rapid Health Educators Program (RHEP). With the help of HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Program, Meihui has received tuition assistance to help her obtain the Pharmacy Technician Certification. English is not Meihui’s first language, so learning new English terms is sometimes difficult. But despite this challenge, Meihui is doing amazing in her classes and studies hard to succeed. Meihui explained that some of the key steps in achieving success are repetition and dedication. Her hard work seems to have paid off, as Meihui recently passed her first class exam. In addition to tuition assistance, Meihui has received wrap-around services that include job readiness training and job placement in her field of interest.

If you are interested in receiving tuition assistance from our Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, please email: NaLimaHana@hcapweb.org.

HCAP Head Start Begins the 2020-2021 School Year Virtually

The 2020-2021 HCAP Head Start school year has kicked off with teachers and staff providing virtual services to Head Start and Early Head Start children and families. All our staff are working hard to create engaging lessons to ensure that our keiki continue to learn, grow, and develop while reaching their educational milestones. 

Here are a few of the many ways HCAP’s Head Start Program has been adjusting its program and services to connect with students, families, and co-workers.

Head Start teachers Stevi (Aiea 1), Sarah (Jefferson PP), Cheryl (Keiki Country), and Leona (Aiea Pre-Plus) have their work stations set up to conduct virtual meetings with children and families.  During their scheduled meetings, they take time to provide instruction, activities, read stories, and check-in with our keiki and families.

Even though we may not be in the classrooms yet, Head Start teachers and staff have regular, virtual meetings to ensure quality services are being delivered.  Some of our Cluster 6 staff (Aaron, Margie, Gayzel, Jennifer, and Chealsea) said a virtual hello to our HCAP ohana during their meeting!

Virtual celebrations keep our staff connected even if they are physically apart. Head Start staff surprised Education Program Manager, Sammi Rafael with virtual birthday cards.  Moments like these remind staff that we are all in this together and are still an ohana.

Leahi District Council Members Provide COVID-19 Resources to Community

Throughout the years, the Leahi District Council has helped to carry out the mission of HCAP. Our District Council members help to expand our services and allow our agency to better serve our community.

The Leahi District Service Center has been privileged to have the opportunity to work with wonderful community members serving at our district. This past district council election, Leahi District Service Center has worked with Anne Chipchase, Pauline Hirohata, Jacquelyn Manaole, Merle O’Niell, and Nathan Toyama. Pictured above at the 2019 Board Installation Meeting (left to right) are Anne (Board Representative), Mia (Leahi District Service Center Manager), Pauline (District Council Chairperson), and Jacquelyn (District Council Secretary).

With the help of the Leahi District Council, the Leahi District Service Center has been able to provide stronger and more comprehensive services. During the pandemic, the Leahi staff were able to refer clients in need of food resources to District Council Member Pauline, who works for Saint Francis Convent. Pauline provided referrals to programs which offer food deliveries to kupuna affected by COVID-19. Thanks to Pauline, many of our clients are taking advantage of these services and receiving the assistance they need.

The Leahi staff is very grateful for their District Council Members and look forward to working with these amazing and dedicated individuals in the months to come.

Bugs for Breakfast: Hā Initiative Students Learn How Insects Can Create Global Food Security

This week at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC),  students learned about food sustainability. In their lesson, students learned that protein rich insects can create a more sustainable future. While the Western world does not typically eat bugs as a source of protein, the students discovered that bugs are considered a delicacy in many countries around the world! The most commonly consumed insect is the grasshopper since they do not take long to grow, do not take up much space, and lay a lot of eggs. Grasshoppers are also rich in protein.  The students learned that different appliances have been created to breed your own grasshoppers at home. Using these appliances, you can breed, freeze and cook your own grasshoppers.  The students asked many questions and watched a video on how the appliance works. The students also shared experiences of when they have seen bugs and other amphibians cooked. Grasshoppers might not be a favorite Hawaii snack anytime soon, but breeding grasshoppers is one small way to create global food security. This was a fascinating lesson and the kids can’t wait to share what they’ve learned to their friends and families!

Do you want your keiki to keep learning and staying engaged while at home? To join the program, please email hcapstem@hcapweb.org.