Over this week and next, Molokai High School is sponsoring a Victory over Violence exhibit. Activities are planned to include not just students, teachers and administrators, but members of the entire Molokai community. Tonight at 6 p.m. is Ohana Night, which will include panel discussion and breakout groups.
After an oli called O Hina I Kamalama, high school Principal Denise Kelly will welcome everyone to the school library. Henry Pali, a fourth grade teacher at Kualapuu Elementary School, will offer an overview of the Victory over Violence program.
According to a statement from the school, teenagers and young adults don’t always know there are options to bullying and physical violence. The Victory over Violence exhibit was created by American youth 11 years ago, opened at the United Nations in New York, and traveled throughout the U.S., before coming to Molokai. The eight-panel exhibit offers graphic understanding and alternatives to teenage violence. Accompanying the exhibit are high school learning activities for students and the community. Local Molokai social service agencies are partnering with the high school for meaningful activities.
At the opening activity yesterday at the library, Kumu Pali also presented an overview for all the educators. Then Diane Mokuau, high school librarian, presented the goals for the exhibit. As stated in the agenda, one of the goals for teachers, administrators and staff is to use this exhibit to begin a dialogue with students in order to transform the school’s culture.
It was in September of 2007 that a fight erupted on the school’s campus that involved at least 20 Molokai High School students and resulted in several suspensions. At the time, Principal Linda Puleloa called a school-wide assembly to help bring aloha back to the school. Another example of this violent culture can be seen on Youtube where Molokai teenagers can be seen fighting each other.
To help overcome this problem in the school’s culture, educators were asked yesterday to take the Peace Pledge. The teachers were given activity suggestions as well as teaching points to make, including the statement, “When it comes to violence, passive leads to active violence.”
After tonight’s Ohana program from 6 to 8 p.m. in the library, the exhibit will be open to public viewing until February 11, next Thursday. Tonight will also feature a preview of the IChoose performance slated for Monday, February 8. For questions or more information on the Victory Over Violence exhibit call the school at 567-6950, extension 273.
Filed under: Schools
