Youth at the inaugural Maui Economic Opportunity Kāohi program in Moloka’i helped with food distribution and learned about vehicle maintenance, including changing wiper blades and fixing a tire, according to a Press release.
MEO Youth Services brought its drug, alcohol, smoking, bullying and suicide prevention programs to Moloka’i with a $100,000 grant from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation. The program focuses on middle and high school aged youth by offering community service, life skills and leadership activities, as well as excursions around the island.
Kāohi’s first week activities from June 13-17 included basic vehicle maintenance, building a cardboard castle for Head Start preschoolers, and helping distribute Maui Food Bank at the Moloka’i Veterans Center.
Activities planned for this week and the rest of June include a hike in Kalae, a trip to Lokomaikai Farm, tie-dye shirt making and plant growing, as well as sign making and agitation for LGBT pride month.
For the summer, Kāohi operates 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday until July 29 from the MEO Moloka’i office, 380 Kolapa Place, Kaunakakai. When the new school year begins, Kāohi will move after school, extended school holidays and some weekends.
Kāohi is offered free of charge. Young people are always accepted.
For more information, contact Mela Candelario, Kāohi Coordinator, at (808) 553-5472.
