As federal funding cuts squeeze vital early childhood education programs, students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo have stepped up to lend a hand.
This spring, English students organized a book drive for the Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool. This nonprofit offers free literacy education and support to families with young children throughout Hawaiʻi. English Instructor Lauri Sagle led this initiative, combining education with community service.
“Our book drive not only helps local kids but also gives students valuable writing experience,” Sagle noted. Students assessed and selected children’s books for donation, learning to advocate for their choices while enhancing their research skills.
With a tight budget, the students dove into resources at the UH Hilo’s Mookini Library. They even explored books in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, emphasizing the importance of cultural context in literacy.
As students learned about the challenges facing Tūtū and Me, their efforts grew. They penned postcards to Mayor Kimo Alameda urging his support for the program. Four students shared their personal connections to Tūtū and Me, adding a deeper meaning to their advocacy.
Amanda Ishigo, the Project Director, visited the campus to discuss literacy’s broader significance. “Literacy encompasses more than reading. It includes listening and speaking skills as well,” Ishigo explained. Her insights highlighted the need for long-term success in literacy education.
In total, students donated 60 books, each paired with a handwritten note of encouragement. They also gathered numerous postcards to bolster support for the program. This project showcased the profound impact that humanities skills can have on community issues. By bridging classroom learning with real-world challenges, students demonstrated how education can lead to meaningful change.
For more insights on this project, check out the full story on UH Hilo Stories.
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