Page 6 - MidWeek Windward - April 21, 2021

6 APRIL 21, 2021
Students At Elementary School On Windward Side Raise Water Awareness
FROM PAGE 1
approached, they decided to do a fundraising effort to support the building and re- furbishing of wells in South Sudan. Their goal is $5 a gift, which seems small. But they don’t want anyone to feel like they have to give. They want people to want to give,” Pedro notes.
waiʻi,” Pedro adds.
As the end of third quarter
“If you haven’t read the book, read it. Get your tis- sue box ready. It will make you look at your life and how blessed you are. It is a rare look at a courageous 11-year-old’s journey to do something bigger,” she em- phasizes.
Students of teacher Paige Banninger at Ka‘elepulu Elementary School in Kailua celebrate their experience exploring the book A Long Walk to Water. PHOTO COURTESY PAIGE BANNINGER
it has opened their eyes to inequities in our world, al- lowed them to learn about aspects of another cul- ture very different than their own, helped them see through another’s perspec- tive and gave them a chance to analyze their own lives. I notice a lot of them speak- ing of how they are so grate- ful for the lives they live, and are realizing how much
“I’ m not looking for more donations. Neither is my son. I just think this is such a great message — the book, Salva’s journey, the students, the teachers and the message that things are much worse in other parts of the world, and we can still make a little difference,” says Pedro.
“Our school is very small, with approximately 200 students total, so staff and students have a strong con- nection and sense of belong- ing. This is my third year as the fifth-grade teacher. This year, we had a combination of fully virtual, hybrid and now in-person learning. It has been an exciting year, that’s for sure,” Banninger says.
“I took a risk with this book, and I’m glad I did so! When I first introduced the books to families, parents were extremely supportive and pleased to know their child would be learning about equi- ty and social justice issues in our world,” she shares.
The Windward educator says she’s been prioritiz- ing a sense of togetherness, especially this year, since students had to remain vir- tual for such a long time.
Her pupils say they’ ve gained a lot from learning.
Pedro’s son Nakoa shares in his fundraising letter that South Sudan is in a water crisis. Without water chil- dren can’t go to school, so Kaʻelepulu students have been trying to raise money for wells in South Sudan.
Banninger notes, “I feel
“Maintaining those re- lationships and classroom community, even from afar, to help them get through the tough times of COVID
One of her students em- phasizes, “I feel fundraising for water for South Sudan is a good thing because it will help people have a happier and healthier life.”
been an educator at the Kai- lua school for seven years.
courage. A Long Walk to Water was one of them,” Banninger explains.
water truly is wasted on a daily basis.”
was crucial. They helped each other get through their struggles, and now want to help the world,” Banninger declares.
PLEASE WEAR A MASK
We do it right the first time
Best Prices Guaranteed With Installation of the Same Equipment
Free Estimates on Split Systems WE SERVICE WHAT WE INSTALL
We also sell Window & Thru the Wall A/C’s & Flush Mount A/C’s
GOD BLESS AMERICA
VETERAN OWNED LIC# C-19622 & C-31915
HONOLULU LEEWARD KAIMUKI MILILANI WINDWARD 537-1971 676-1455 737-1852 625-5666 262-6163 Call for an Appointment www.aireconditionershoppe.com
M
y
& Speech
M
Ma
a
ay
y
i
i
is
s
s
N
N
N
a
a
at
ti
i
on
nal Hearing
Mo
on
nth
h
advancedhearinghawaii.com
808-262-6673
L U K E
Audiologist and Hearing Aid Specialist
W
WA
AS
S
S
S E R
N, AuD LINDA CHIU, MD, MBA, FACS
R
M A
A N
N
Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
Windward’s Doctors of Better Hearing
407 Uluniu St. #212 | Kailua, HI 96734
“We learned that South Sudan needs clean, fresh water and we want to help,” Nakoa adds in his letter.
She adds that it means a lot to her as an educator to receive so much positive feedback from parents and students in regards to A Long Walk to Water.
His teacher, Banninger, has
“To engage students in their learning this year, I really wanted to find books that focused on self-growth, perseverance, equity and
John’s Upholstery
Helping the People and Businesses of Hawaii restore their favorite furniture for over 30 years
• Furniture Upholstery • Foam
• Custom Cushion Covers • Dining Chairs
s • Tropical and Designer Fabrics
Call, come in or email us for a free estimate today!
236-2218 • 46-138 Kahuhipa St.
Text: 271-2665 or Email: johnsupholstery@hawaii.rr.com
We Are “Hear” To Help!
#410 Gas