Hawaiian preschool
gets federal grant
A native Hawaiian preschool program on Oahu received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, school officials said yesterday.
Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers will receive funding over the next three years.
The nonprofit was established in 1996 to address the needs of native Hawaiian children under the age of 5. Last year, 870 children attended preschool programs at 21 different sites on Oahu.
Keiki O Ka Aina programs travel to communities dotted around Oahu. Each location hosts sessions, typically once or twice a week, that mandate parent participation. A parent must attend sessions with their child.
The money announced yesterday is part of $31 million in funding the Department of Education set aside for native Hawaiian education in fiscal year 2004, which began yesterday.
