The Pūnana Leo is designed
for families, teachers, and staff who choose to speak Hawaiian and are
in the process of establishing it as the first and main language of the
home. The goal is to develop, strengthen, and maintain the Hawaiian language
in the home and school. The purpose of academic learning, which includes
foreign languages such as English and Japanese, is to develop skills
to revitalize the Hawaiian-speaking community through interaction with
the global community.
Schools and Enrollment
The ‘Aha Pūnana Leo is best known for our Hawaiian language nests schools. There are currently 11 Pūnana Leo Family-Based Language Nests in the state of Hawai‘i, that service three- and four- year old children along with their families on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. In these Language Nests, Hawaiian speaking toddlers are joined by a larger group of non-Hawaiian speakers in a program conducted solely through Hawaiian. Parents are required to learn the language as well so that they can reinforce language learning at home. These Pūnana Leo are the language nest environments where children are first surrounded by the Hawaiian language. These environments are also where parents work cooperatively to provide maximum parental involvement in the larger system of Hawaiian language medium education established to support their children. Through the work of the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo many parents have gone on to obtain college degrees and work in the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo system.
our goals are:
1) To provide a supportive environment and experience in which all participants will:
Develop the ability to communicate effectively in the Hawaiian language.
Understand and appreciate Hawaiian culture and values and participate confidently in contemporary Hawaiian society.
Develop age-appropriate social, intellectual, and perceptual motor skills.
2) To involve the Pūnana Leo ‘ohana (family) in all aspects of the program.