In classrooms across the State of Hawai‘i, a quiet yet powerful force is shaping the academic and emotional well-being of students: senior volunteers. Kupuna in the Classroom volunteers are stepping up to provide essential services that help bridge educational and emotional gaps many students face. They provide the kind of one-on-one attention and support that overburdened teachers often can’t consistently offer.
Foster Grandparent Program.
Kupuna in the Classroom volunteers are assigned to three to five students and focus on the specific needs of students. The one-on-one time they dedicate to students enables them to develop meaningful and productive relationships. This intergenerational model is good for the soul and helps kūpuna to stay active, use their cognitive skills and enhance their lives.
To become a Kupuna in the Classroom (foster grandparent), an individual must be at least 55 years of age, commit to volunteering a minimum of 15 hours per week, and meet income and other program requirements.
To volunteer as a foster grandparent, apply for services or for more information about this program, call the Foster Grandparent Program office on O‘ahu at 808-832-5169.
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM (nonprofit)
1010 Richards St., Ste. 614, Honolulu, HI 96813
shull@dhs.hawaii.gov | 808 832-5167
humanservices.hawaii.gov/foster-grandparent-program
Leave a Reply