The Palolo Ohana Learning Center (POLC) is a beautiful gathering place that facilitates community-building and learning for all ages. The Palolo Homes Tenants’ Association runs this facility, which has space and equipment for a variety of different activities, including cooking, reading circles, multimedia/video production, hula, karate, a computer center, and more. It is used by Pacific Islander (including Hawaiian) and Southeast Asian immigrant children and adults. All age groups are welcome. Its tech program is part of the Bridging the Digital Divide Project (also at Kuhio Park Terrace and at Leeward).
Location
2170 Ahe Street, Honolulu, HI 96816.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers can opt for one-on-one or group-based supervised activities. Those with background check clearance may participate in one-on-one activities with greater scheduling flexibility. Learn more about intake and clearances.
The following programs are open to general volunteers:
Mentor children and help with literacy, homework or computer skills
Must commit to a regular weekly shift and serve a minimum of 12 hours per semester.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:30–4:30 PM
Science Program at “The Hale” in the Palolo Discovery Science Center
Help students to learn about renewable energy, aquaponics, gardening, and more through a “hands-on/hands-dirty” approach.
Hours: Two days a week (varies) from 3:30–4:30 PM
Special Projects led by students/faculty
For those with special skills and leadership experience, special program offerings may be developed if they meet the needs of the community. They may be one-time activities or a series of activities planned by students/faculty (e.g.: educational game-playing tournaments, mini-health fairs, music classes, art projects). Students with expertise in hula and Zumba have run weekly classes at the POLC. Consult with the CUH Service-Learning Ofice at service.learning.cuh@gmail.com.
Hours: Weekdays, 2:30–4:30 PM. Special activities may be scheduled on weekends or evenings.
Training
New volunteers must follow the instructions for getting started at Palolo Ohana Learning Center. The site requires TB clearance & may require a criminal background check for those with certain scheduling requests.
For questions/concerns, contact the Service-Learning Office.
Site Supervisors
Ms. Yvonne Mori, Ms. Kauhane Aipia and Ms. Whitney Kim
Faculty note
Special projects could include planning/executing workshops /educational fairs and projects, assessment/research projects.
