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Raising a Child in the Punana Leo

by Noelani Iokepa-Guerrero
May/June 2008
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Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/raising-a-child-in-the-punana-leo/5018130/

The sun is shining and the wind blows gently. It is a beautiful morning in the islands. ‘Anakala stands at the piko of the school and blows the conch. The keiki and kumu gather at the piko and stand together in order. ‘Anake¯ calls out and everyone joins in chanting in unison. At the end of the chant, ‘Anakala steps forward and in front of the group addresses the keiki with the guiding thought for the day and opening pule. The keiki join in a song and ‘Anake¯ follows the song with words of instruction to support ‘Anakala’s statement. The morning protocol continues with more mele. Finally, the keiki are formerly called into the classroom, and as they each walk through the door, they greet ‘Anakala, ‘Anake¯ , and the rest of the kumu with a hug.

At the Pu¯nana Leo everyone, ‘Anakala, uncle �" a male teacher, ‘Anake¯ , aunty �" a female teacher, and the keiki, children all play important roles in the educational program of the school. Each and all are responsible for the learning that takes place and the success
of the program.

About the Pu¯nana Leo

Established in 1983 by a group of parents and teachers, ...

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