The ʻŌlelo education department partnered with Liliʻuokalani Trust’s Mana Media Program this past Spring Break to provide a hands-on media experience rooted in storytelling, creativity, and community.
From March 16 to 20, participating youth explored real-world media production while building skills in video creation, content planning, and digital storytelling. Working alongside ʻŌlelo’s team, students learned the fundamentals of filming, editing, and shaping stories for social media.
In just five days, the students produced three social media mini documentaries, each highlighting a different program happening simultaneously at the center. These included the culinary program, a hands-on hale building program, and a DJ program. Through these projects, students documented their peers while learning how to capture authentic stories from their community.
The partnership reflected a shared commitment to empowering youth voice. By the end of the program, participants walked away with completed projects, new technical skills, and greater confidence in their ability to tell stories that matter.