Aukukui Professional Development
‘Aha Pūnana Leo officially launched the Aukukui Professional Development program in partnership with the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Hawaiian Language College, Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikōlani. After years of providing staff with training and professional development opportunities, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo expanded its flexible, online program to offer teachers across the state an opportunity to receive HME teacher certifications and meet early childhood education requirements.
More than $100,000 and 100 hours annually invested in staff professional development since 2015.
Aukukui Professional Development is recognized by Indigenous Teacher Education Licensure program for the Hawaiʻi Department of Education and the World Indigenous Nation’s Higher Education (WINHEC).
Aukukui Niuolahiki Online Learning
In 2009, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo developed a flexible and affordable way for anyone to learn ‘ōlelo Hawaii from anywhere and anytime. Niuolahiki Distance Learning program is a self-directed, online Hawaiian medium education (HME) program, in which students can learn at their own pace, on their own schedule and register by lesson module. Completing all 25 modules is equivalent to one year of a university-level Hawaiian language class.
Curriculum is based on the recently updated textbook “Nā Kai ‘Ewalu” by Dr. Kauanoe Kamanā and Dr. William H. “Pila” Wilson. Online classes include audio and visual exercises, interactive dialogues, speaking opportunities, exams and in-depth explanations of cultural perspectives and patterns, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for anyone to learn and practice ‘ōlelo.
