Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianist family, said, “By educating the mind and the heart, the school can form people who in turn can work at changing the very structures of their society to ensure a community of justice and reconciliation.”
Education is an integral value in both Marianist and Native Hawaiian culture. Both recognize the transformative effect of a well-rounded, value-centered education on society, particularly in seeking justice for the marginalized, the forgotten, and the oppressed, always with an eye toward God (Ke Akua). This is reflected in the Olelo Noeau (Hawaiian proverbs) and Marianist core beliefs.
‘Ōlelo No‘eau
EDUCATE FOR FORMATION IN FAITH
E ola au i ke akua
(ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 364)
May I live by God
EDUCATE IN FAMILY SPIRIT
ʻIke aku, ʻike mai, kōkua aku kōkua mai; pela iho la ka nohana ʻohana
(‘Ōlelo Noʻeau 1200)
Recognize others, be recognized, help others, be helped; such is a family relationship
EDUCATE FOR ADAPTATION AND CHANGE
ʻAʻohe pau ka ‘ike i ka hālau hoʻokahi
(ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 203)
All knowledge is not taught in the same school
PROVIDE AN INTEGRAL, QUALITY EDUCATION
Lawe i ka maʻalea a kūʻonoʻono
(ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 1957)
Acquire skill and make it deep
EDUCATE FOR SERVICE, JUSTICE AND PEACE
Ka lama kū o ka noʻeau
(ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 1430)
Education is the standing torch of wisdom
Observations
When Marianist characteristics and Native Hawaiian cultural values are woven together, we see that:
- The root culture of Hawai‘i and Marianist culture are equally valuable and worthy.
- Hawaiian and Marianist communities seek justice for the marginalized, including Native Hawaiians, the forgotten and the oppressed.
- God is magnified, as we work together for common good through education and beyond.
- Chaminade University and Native Hawaiian communities can speak from a place of shared understanding.
