Students follow
‘Ohana Party’ rules
Students from
Princess Victoria Ka'iulani
Elementary get serious about
political partiesDays until the General Election: 36
Star-BulletinAfter talking about political parties and what they stand for, we urged students to create their own party and platform, that is, a set of beliefs and goals to work toward.
We think Ruth Nishimura's 5th grade students at Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Elementary came up with many ideas for running their classroom that state politicians could learn from.
The students would call themselves the "Ohana Party" and here are the kanawai or "rules of conduct" for their decision-making process:
Everyone is expected to kokua until all jobs are done. If we work as a team, nothing is impossible.
"I wish that in the future we will have a president who won't humiliate our country with his personal life. Right now, I know that other countries are thinking poorly of America because of what the president has done. I can just see other countries laughing at us." Future leaders listen up—
these are our wishesWe asked students to tell us their wishes for their
community, state, country and family for
the future. Here's what they said:-- Aarika Lim, grade 8, Stevenson Middle School
"My concern for our community is that we have too many young people getting involved in illegal drug use. I think we should have more officers assigned to the Kalihi area. There should also be agencies that will reach out to young people and keep them away from drugs.
"My wish for the United States is to end racial discrimination because everyone should be treated equally. If there were no prejudice, it would be easy for our country to step forward instead of falling back.
"I think poverty starts most of the problems in our countries. It starts jealousy, which leads to hatred and violence.
"Each person has his own personal problems, but I know if we all put our minds to it, poverty would decrease.
"Young people today face many problems. It would take everyone's effort to provide a better future for all."
-- Shenni Cachola, 8th grade, Kalakaua Middle School
"Wouldn't it be nice if we could have better education in the United States? Youth are the future. Someday one of us will be leading this country. In order to make the country a better place, you must educate children.
"How are we going to accomplish this? Set higher educational standards, get parents involved, make schools drug free and safe.
"Finally, teachers should be paid more. Teachers are very important. Without them there would be no doctors, lawyers and others who might help us."
-- Ryan Prestoza, 8th grade, Kalakaua Middle School
"I wish my community were a nonviolent place, so I will not have to worry about going home before dark or making sure our doors are locked at all times. I wish the United States and the world would be filled with peace and love. Imagine, there would be no need for wars or fighting!"
-- Janice Hernandez, 8th grade, Stevenson Middle School
"For my community, I wish for more sidewalks. Without them, the streets are very dangerous for children who have been getting into accidents. Also, I wish that our government would plant more trees because it makes communities cleaner and more beautiful.
"For the world, I wish that there were no wars or fights. People aren't supposed to hate each other. I don't think we were brought up that way. I mean we all have enemies, but fighting is not the way to solve problems. Talking it over is the best way."
-- Michelle Calventas, 8th grade, Kalakaua Middle School
"I wish my school will have more money. I wish my family will have good jobs and an air conditioner."
-- Roxanne Revocal, 1st grade, Fern School
"My wish for the nation is to encourage people to realize that you should not fight about race or color. I do not understand why various people in the United States feel wrongly about each other.
"I feel strongly that it is wrong because everyone has equal rights and deserves to be treated fairly."
-- Irene Dupaya, 5th grade, Fern School
"It is my wish that everyone would discontinue polluting the world with waste and toxic chemicals. Then we wouldn't disintegrate our ozone layer."
-- Janelle Funtanilla, 5th grade, Fern School
"To improve our community and government, I believe each individual should start by casting his/her vote. Only if you vote can you make a difference for yourself and future generations
"My wish is to see all people empowered and actively involved in the decision-making process of issues that affect our lives."
-- Ryan Akamine, 8th grade, Stevenson Middle School
"I wish our world could be clean and people would stop littering. There would be more plants and trees beautifying the Earth. I also wish there were cures for all the diseases in the world."
"My last wish is for the country to be led by honest people, people committed to making our world peaceful and a better place to live in.
-- Euvelyn Calma, 8th grade, Kalakaua Middle School
