I have been working with the Pacific Heritage Schools organization since August of this year. It was back in April when I was invited to a Education Summit(by Anapesi Kaili) where I first learned about this effort. Pacific Heritage Schools is a dream of a couple of concerned Pacific Islander mothers that decided to take action about 4 years ago. They wanted to create a charter school that would intertwine the Polynesian culture with our American culture. About 2 years ago Ofa Kinikini Moeai and Lia Whitman(and their spouses) began the long and arduous task of putting together a 200+ page application. They were helped along the way by like minded volunteers who shared the same desires. Well, today those long hours of research, meetings, long drives, and rigorous writing and rewriting have been rewarded. Today the Utah State Charter Board unanimously approved our charter, Pacific Heritage Academy. The board gave the recommendation to the Utah State Office of Education for ratification. We were all in tears and words can't express the realization of what we had achieved.This is a historical event. We will be the first school on the mainland that caters to the Pacific Islander population. I joined this group because I know how it felt to be raised in the United States as an immigrant child. I remember not feeling socially, economically, and physically accepted by mainstream America. Instead of embracing my beautiful culture and roots I hid it and tried very hard to assimilate without it. I knew not what my roots were or meant. I couldn't excel in life without that understanding. My journey was a long and flawed experience. But, what brought me back to my current state was the knowledge deep within me that I am a product of a rich heritage and proud people.
My wish for this school is that it provides our youth with the roots they need to excel in any culture. Our future students will learn the best elements of our culture. They will also be academically and socially equipped to succeed in the modern world. Our kids will realize there are no limitations in their achievements and the sky is the limit!!!
I am so proud of our Pacific Island people and the movement that is happening. As a dear friend told me today, "We may not be rich and be able to leave our children trustfunds and estates but we will leave them is our legacy!!". Our culture and love for family is our legacy. We truly are a blessed people that have so much to offer the world. We are on the rise and we must keep on moving!!!
