School forum will discuss
ways to serve community
The idea of engaging students in community service as a seed to lifelong good citizenship is promoted in many public and private schools.
It will be the theme of a Nov. 22 conference, "Reaching Ohana, Teaching Ohana, Learning to Serve," sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii and the Commission on Episcopal Schools.
Church outreach and social ministries as well as students, parents, teachers, counselors and chaplains are invited to the conference, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Priory School. It is open to anyone interested.
Students from a dozen schools will share their unique programs -- from maintaining an ancient fishpond to tutoring immigrants to creating businesses that benefit charitable causes -- in workshops. Kelley Lum Oshiro, executive director of Youth Service Hawaii, will speak.
"The idea is to find ways we can be engaged in the community, not just a one-shot deal or just giving money and feeling good about it," said conference organizer Lucille Caldwell. She said the conference follows one last year that explored how "people in the community are hurting and how can we reach out to them. This year, we are looking at the next level, what kids are already doing."
Nov. 17 is the registration deadline. The fee -- $10 for adults, $5 for students -- will include lunch. For information, call the Episcopal diocese at 536-7776, ext. 105.
