Haleki’i Market celebrates spring with Keiki May Day
In early 2021, Haleki’i Farmers Market and Craft Fair was the first of its kind to extend an invitation to keiki entrepreneurs of the Big Island. With the collaboration of local business owners, cultural art-infused guided workshops and on-site guidance, current Keiki Entrepreneur candidates are presenting their offerings at the weekly market. Some of these include beauty aides, custom tech-art printing products, artisanal crafts, personalized home decor products, and specialized desserts. The program has flourished and keiki are a market highlight for new and returning weekly visitors.
To celebrate this first venture and also usher in the new season, Haleki’i Market, sponsored by nonprofit KiK Ka’eaikahelelani Inc., invites the community to its inaugural Keiki Day set for May 1. The day-long celebration will highlight Keiki Entrepreneur booths but also feature live entertainment, keiki hula performances by Ke Kula ‘o ‘Ehunuikaimalino and Halau Ka‘eaikahelelani; arts and crafts stations; fun games for all ages, a free hot-dog booth by the Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation and local artist vendor booths.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 1 on the Kona Grill House Grounds at 81-951 Haleki’i Street in Kealakekua.
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week kicks off Monday
Hawaii Afterschool Alliance is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, which runs Monday through Friday, along with the National AfterSchool Association, to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.
“We believe afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of our keiki and ‘opio,” said Paula Adams, Hawaii Afterschool Alliance executive director. “We encourage everyone to join us this week in thanking the afterschool professionals in their lives. Afterschool professionals have stood in the gap throughout the past year to engage students in innovative and creative ways.”
Adams noted the vital contributions of a number of afterschool professionals over the past year, including Jacque Shin from Kama‘aina Kids, who opened community learning hubs for children of essential workers to have a safe place to attend virtual classes, and Kristen Kua, of Studio Shaka, who has given students from Connections Public Charter School a chance to not only create jewelry, wood designs, and stickers but to build their entrepreneurial skills in selling their artwork.
Prior to the pandemic, an estimated 37,572 children participated inafterschool programs each year in Hawaii, but for every child in an afterschool program, there were two more waiting to get in.
“Afterschool programs keep our keiki safe, inspire learning, support students’ social and emotional learning, and support families,” Adams said. “Now more than ever, every young person deserves quality afterschool and summer learning experiences that positively impact their development.”
For more information, visit https://www.hawaiiafterschoolalliance.org and https://www.heartofafterschool.com.