Hawaii students working on Filipino curriculum meet with U.S. Sen. Hirono

Students meeting with with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (extreme right) on he projected elective curriculum within the Hawai’i Department of Education will highlight the culture, history and industry contributions Filipinos have made to Hawai’i and the U.S. CONTRIBUTED

HONOLULU— Hawai’i public and private school students who are creating the state’s first Filipino Curriculum Project met in consultation with U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono Wednesday, Nov. 23,

The projected elective curriculum within the Hawai’i Department of Education will highlight the culture, history and industry contributions Filipinos have made to Hawai’i and the U.S.

“Hawai’i’s rich diversity is central to our state’s history and culture, and it’s important that our keiki learn about all of the communities that comprise our unique state,” KHON News quoted Hirono.

Hawaii students with Sen. Mazie K. Hirono in her Honolulu office. CONTRIBUTED

She added, “The Filipino community has made significant contributions in areas such as health care, education, the arts, business, military service and more in Hawai’i and across the country.”

The students are formulating a curriculum with four parts: Ethnic Identity; Cultural Connection; Historical Context; Filipinos in Hawai’i.

They have participated in curriculum workshops and lobbied State lawmakers to pass House Resolution 50  implementing a Filipino history, culture and identity social studies course for high school students.”

“The students leading the Filipino Curriculum Project are a testament to the drive and dedication of the next generation, and I’m very encouraged by what they’re doing. I’ve asked for their feedback on my bill to expand AAPI history in our schools, and I look forward to continuing our dialogue,” added Hirono.