Kumu Teva Medeiros taught 10 Maui Economic Opportunity Youth Services keiki about traditional Makahiki customs on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Ulua Beach in Kihei.
He imparted on the high school and intermediate youths the importance Native Hawaiian warriors put on physical sports during the down time between warfare to remain physically and mentally fit. This was done during Makahiki season around the turning to the new year.
The youths learned the haka moa, pā uma, and ‘alo ‘ia and the importance of observing their natural surroundings for awareness about the environment and the seasonal changes that affect daily life.
Medeiros is a Hawaiian language immersion teacher at Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Lahainaluna.
Youth Services is currently running a winter break session of its substance/alcohol abuse, bullying and suicide prevention program. Youths participate in activities that are fun, strengthen the family, embrace culture and reinforce healthy lifestyles. The goals of the evidence-based curriculum are to prevent or delay the age when youths begin smoking and drinking.
*About Maui Economic Opportunity*
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., is a nonprofit agency that’s part of the national Community Action Partnership network, whose goal is to help low income individuals and families and disenfranchised people help themselves and transform their lives. Chartered in 1965, MEO offers more than 40 programs that assist low income people, kupuna, youths, persons with disabilities, immigrants and other disenfranchised individuals. MEO runs the Human Services transportation program and the Maui Bus paratransit system and Head Start preschools, as well as programs that offer kupuna socialization and information; rent, mortgage and utility assistance; Spanish interpretation and translation; entrepreneurial and financial basics; inmate reintegration into the community after release; and youth anti-drinking, -bullying and -suicide prevention. For more information about the entire array of programs, visit www.meoinc.org or call (808) 249-2990.
