HCAP WEEKLY January 15, 2024

HCAP Head Start Teacher Publishes Children’s Book

Corazon Mangrubang, a dedicated HCAP Head Start Teacher, has recently made a mark beyond the classroom by publishing her own children’s book titled “Nene’s Missing Book.” Inspired by her own experiences and fueled by a desire for better representation in children’s literature, Corazon embarked on a literary journey after taking a children’s literature course at the Honolulu Community College (HCC).

“Nene’s Missing Book” emerged from Corazon’s desire to create a protagonist that mirrored her own identity and that of her children. Corazon sought inspiration from Minh Le’s book, “Drawn Together” and the valuable insights that Professor E.H. from HCC shared on the importance of representation, diversity, and the concepts of mirrors and windows in picture books. These insights helped Corazon create the foundation for her narrative, which revolves around a young girl of Asian background and her grandmother. Adding a touch of enchantment, Corazon incorporated the fairy theme inspired by her children’s love for the Tinkerbell movies, while the mystery element was drawn from her fondness for mystery books.

In the writing process, Corazon found joy in weaving a story within a story and introducing surprises at the end. Corazon thanks Professor E.H. for playing a crucial role in refining these creative elements during the drafting phase. Corazon’s ultimate goal in crafting “Nene’s Missing Book” was to address the lack of Asian or Pacific Islander representation in picture books. Beyond that, she aspires to instill a love for reading and writing in young children and encourages them to appreciate the role of their grandparents, who often lead as primary caregivers in early childcare. HCAP is extremely proud of Corazon Mangrubang for her contributions to children’s literature and for advocating for inclusivity, representation, and the joy of storytelling for young minds and families alike.

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Kalaeloa Partners with the Keauhou Emergency Shelter

HCAP’s Kalaeloa District Service Center and the Keauhou Emergency Shelter teams recently convened in a collaborative effort to explore ways to enhance the services offered by both programs. During this meeting, HCAP staff engaged and shared about the Nā Lima Hana – Employment Core Services to identify avenues for providing assistance in employment and job readiness training, HCAP’s emergency food pantry, providing necessary work materials, and offering wraparound services such as the Weatherization Assistance Program which will help clients reduced the cost of utilities when once out of the shelter and into permanent housing. These collective efforts aim to not only address immediate needs but also to facilitate a smoother transitional period for clients.

The partnership demonstrates the Kalaeloa District’s commitment to serving the community comprehensively. HCAP staff is excited about this collaborative effort and the shared dedication to creating a positive impact on the lives of those in need.  The Kalaeloa District embraces this opportunity to broaden its community outreach, foster a blossoming partnership with the Keauhou Emergency Shelter, and help individuals and families during their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.

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The Hā Initiative’s Research Projects

Recently, the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program dedicated time to practice the students’ research skills. The STEM Teacher commenced with lessons on effective research techniques, emphasizing the importance of reliable sources and critical analysis. Students then collaboratively selected topics, chose partners, and delved into practical research, guided by their teacher.

Then, the students practiced their presentation skills, with each student receiving constructive feedback from the teacher and their peers. This week, the students will showcase their research to their classmates. Beyond teaching the importance of research, the program instills curiosity, critical thinking, and teamwork, empowering students for success in academia and beyond.

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