Dear Friend,
We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and enjoying all the island vibes! July has been a hot, vibrant, and busy month for the VOPIN Navigating Education Project Summer School Program as we prepare for our much-anticipated Together for Education Luau and Fundraiser on August 24th.
Our nine-week summer program is currently underway, covering a wide range of academic and cultural topics. The initial enrollment for our summer classes includes students from various school districts, such as Bremerton, Tacoma, Highline, and Puyallup School Districts. As we continue to refine our curriculum to better serve our students, we consistently identify similar challenges faced by our students. Our ongoing data collection indicates that most students are encountering academic difficulties. Over the next nine weeks, our primary goals are for our students to master their academic skills and gain knowledge about their heritage and cultural identity.
SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Class Topics & Discussions:
The day begins with the "Circle" concept, which is designed to help students feel comfortable with each other and the staff. When anxiety levels are lower, and students enjoy themselves, their learning and attention span improve. Making students feel a sense of belonging allows them to be more open about themselves. However, after administering a math pre-test, we have identified that there is a lot of work ahead of us. Most of our students need more time to prepare for high school-level math. We still have a long way to go. The main subjects covered are Math, English, Civics, Financial Literacy, and Pasefika history and culture.
Culture Pride and Identity:
Our student enrollment represents diverse cultures, including Chamorro, Samoan, Tongan, and Asian. Feeling like they belong puts them at ease. The program's cultural component has a significant impact when students learn from one another and have fun. Learning about different cultures through dancing and songs helps broaden students' perspectives and foster an appreciation of diverse identities.
Our Navigating Education Project Team and volunteers are working hard to prepare our students for VOPIN's "Together for Education" luau and fundraiser on Saturday, August 24th, at the Clearwater Casino and Resort. Instead of paying for expensive plane tickets to travel for a Pasefika experience, you can let your dream Pasefika experience come to you by joining us at our luau/auction night of fun and excitement. You can enjoy the fantastic island dancing and singing talents of our students, staff, and volunteers, and also get the chance to win fabulous auction prizes and enjoy great food! It will be a night to remember! Tickets are limited, so purchase your tickets here ASAP.
LOOKING AHEAD:
It is fast approaching! Our Together for Education Luau and Fundraiser is on Saturday, August 24th, at the Clearwater Casino & Resort. Invite families and friends for a night to remember! Your participation and support will support our academic and culturally responsive services and resources for Pasefika students and communities.
It takes a village to raise a child. Together, we are stronger and can provide our children with the bright future they deserve! Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Fa'afetai tele, Mahalo, Si Yu'os ma'ase, Salamat po sa inyo, Malo-e-lelei, and Thank you for your incredible support of VOPIN's mission and vision! Together, we can continue to uplift and support our children, ensuring each child has every opportunity to succeed!
With sincere gratitude,
The VOPIN Team
Visit our website for more updates and information about upcoming events, and connect with us on our social media channels.
LOOKING AHEAD...
It's true that 'It takes a village to raise a child.' It's also true that 'It takes a village to educate our children!' As you may recall, the success stories in our previous newsletters are about our students and how they have come a long way to achieve their goals. However, our data points continue to show that we still have a long way to go to narrow the educational and opportunity disparity gaps for Pasifika students and families.
Ever since we began the Navigating Education Project, we have noticed that our students face challenges in almost all subjects due to multiple issues, some beyond their control. After administering a math pre-test to our summer program students, the results indicate that most are not prepared for high school math. They require additional time to master their high school math skills. As we continue to develop our curriculum, our students face multiple challenges that impede their learning.
As the demand for culturally-resonant, responsive services and resources continues to rise, VOPIN needs more resources to meet the demand. This year's summer program enrollment consists of students from other districts besides Bremerton, such as Tacoma, Highline, and Puyallup. As we anticipate an increase in enrollment for next year, one of the challenges that we discovered that impedes our progress and prevents students from accessing our services is transportation. In our "GoFundMe" campaign, we are asking the community to help us purchase a 15-passenger van to meet our transportation needs.
Expansion takes time and resources, and it involves constant changes. As we anticipate an increase in enrollment for our next summer program and with only 4 staff members, lacking resources is not an ideal organizational strategy for fulfilling our children's and families' wishes and hopes. It is time for the community to take ownership of creating a prosperous and safe future for our children. Without the community's support, our communities of color will continue to fall further and further behind. For less than the cost of a 'tall' Starbucks drink, I urge you to consider making a $5 or more monthly donation to aid VOPIN in narrowing the disparity gaps for our children, youth, and families. We are confident that with the support and involvement of our community, we can bring about meaningful change.
Students thrive when they feel they belong. In today's turbulent political climate, our children are facing the effects of division among different groups. Our education system is at risk, whether we realize it or not. It's up to us to decide what our children's future will be like!
COMMUNITY POWER
Community Power embodies the collective strength, resources, and influence of individuals within a community who work together to address issues, advocate for causes, and improve their collective well-being. This power is created when individuals unite to achieve something bigger than themselves. By collaborating, individuals feel a sense of belonging, appreciation, and empowerment to contribute positively to their community's well-being.
A Gift of Service Leads to a Life of Love
COMMUNITY POWER via VOLUNTEERISM:
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart (EA).
Volunteer Spotlight ~ Darnell James-Gullette!
Q: Can you introduce yourself and share what motivated you to become a volunteer with Voices of Pacific Island Nations?
Darnell: My name is Mr. Darnell James-GuLLette, I pronounce it like the bird Sea-Gull, but I do like how the French say it, [Goullelet], because my father's family before us today were Creole! My motivation to be involved with VOPIN came as a part of my search within to make a difference with my time living here in this community!
Q: How did you first hear about VOPIN, and what inspired you to get involved?
Darnell: Uncle Pat was introduced to me [through Leadership Kitsap]. When he spoke, it was the right words in my presence at that moment—I needed to hear them, and all was done! For me, it was fate! I am soul-searching for a reason!
Q: Can you share a memorable experience you've had with VOPIN that impacted you or the community you served?
Darnell: Being in the room when [some students] showed up speaking their truth in perspective of me, the way I felt about that truth and how it didn't bother or hurt me mattered to me. That made me feel at home!
Q: What achievements are you most proud of in your volunteering journey with VOPIN?
Darnell: Please see the above!
Q: How has working with VOPIN allowed you to connect with the Pacific Islander community and its culture?
Darnell: While researching VOPIN's website, I was challenged to learn more about how the logo itself represents all the Family of Nations in the community!
Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of VOPIN and its impact on the PI community?
Darnell: Looking ahead to the future, I hope VOPIN will participate in the Shipyard's paid internship program for juniors and seniors!
Q: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with VOPIN? Why should they take the leap?
Darnell: Well, okay, then! Join me! Be a good little FROGGIE, and dive right in. The water is a little murky, but it's just fine for the course!
We simply couldn't do what we do without amazing People like You!
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following organizations and individuals for their generous donations to our Together for Education annual luau and fundraiser. On behalf of our Pasefika students and families, I say to you: Fa'afetai tele, Mahalo, Si Yu'os ma'ase, Salamat po sa inyo, Malo e lelei, Gracias, Kinisou, and Thank you!
- Alderbrook Resort and Spa
- Andrea Moore
- Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Bremerton West Sound Symphony
- Burke Museum
- ChocMo
- Clearwater Casino Resort & Golf Club
- Douglas Stefanko
- E7s Studio
- Inatai Foundation
- Ivy Dionne
- Jill Brenner
- Manette Real Estate
- MOHAI - Museum of History & Industry
- No Time for FlashCards
- Seattle Aquarium
- Seattle Art Museum
- Seattle Storm
- Suquamish Foundation
- Tacoma Rainiers
- Temre Jenkins
- Vibe Coworks
- Wayzgoose Kitsap
We invite other organizations to join us in this important cause. Your donations assist us in providing essential resources and support for our students, empowering them to succeed academically and beyond. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
For more information on how to donate, please visit fundraiser.bid/vopinluau and go to "Donate an Item" or contact us at info@vopin.org. Every contribution, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated and goes a long way in supporting our mission.
COMMUNITY NEWS
The tickets are selling out quickly! -- Let VOPIN bring you your dream Pacific Island Nations experience with a night filled with fun and excitement! You don't want to miss a fantastic evening of cultural entertainment, island cuisine, and a happy community. Don't wait too long because we have a limited number of tickets, and they are disappearing fast! Get your tickets now and be a part of something extraordinary. As Helen Keller once said, 'Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.'"
Click here or scan the QR Code on the flyer to get your tickets.
Pasefika (Pacific Islander) Language Survey
Hafa Adai, Talofa, Aloha, Malo e lelei, Kamusta na, Ran allum, Kia ora, Bula, Fakaalofa atu, Mauri, and Hello!
The future of our community relies on our culture, arts and crafts, beliefs, and values. Losing our cultural identity is a path to culture extinguishment. To continue to preserve our cultural identity and better serve our community, we humbly request your assistance in completing this short anonymous survey. This information will help us develop programs addressing language and other barriers for our children, youth, and families.
It takes a Village to raise a Child, and it also takes a Village to educate Our Children!
Unleash Your Inner Hero!
For less than the cost of a 'tall' Starbucks drink, your gift of $10 a month can significantly impact our children's future, giving them the opportunity to thrive. It's not just a donation; it's an investment in their dreams and aspirations!
Together, we can make a difference. Your contribution will help us enhance our Navigating Education project and guide our students towards a brighter future. Thank you for being part of this collective effort!
Standing in unity for our Pasefika students, their voices resound with appreciation:
Fa'afetai tele, Mahalo, Si Yu'os Ma'ase, Salamat, Malo-e-lelei, Kinisou, Kinisou chapur, Whakawhetai koe.
Embrace your inner hero and change lives today!
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King County employees: Donate through the King County Employee Giving Program
Washington State employees: Donate through the Washington State Combined Drive
