Our vision is to plan and implement a community unity celebration to showcase local student talents, such as art, music, and athletics, and to connect the Kaʻū community with resources and opportunities. On August 16, 2016, adult mentors and community leaders from Kaʻū High School, County of Hawaiʻi Parks and Recreation in Kaʻū, and Pāhala Boys & Girls Club attended the “Fulfill the Dream” confere
nce led by Roberto Rivera from the Good Life Alliance Organization. The purpose of this conference was to learn about student-centered curriculum and increasing youth engagement by utilizing proven principles of community empowerment. After the conference, community leaders and mentors returned to Kaʻū and engaged a group of high school students to embark on a youth mentorship and leadership building project. We successfully implemented the 1st Kaʻū UNITY Celebration on April 29, 2017, with over 500 attendees, showcasing artwork, music and other talents by students from all schools in Kaʻū, and with informational booths from over 15 community resource programs.
