Ola I Ka Hana gives high school dropouts second chance

It takes courage and discipline to go back to high school and face your peers after falling behind or dropping out. However, Izaia Halmas looks forward to stepping back onto campus this spring and receiving his diploma — something the 17-year-old Kona resident thought was impossible until he joined Ola I Ka Hana.

The program, run by Goodwill Industries of Hawaii Inc., stresses the value of education and the importance of work experience to youth. Ola I Ka Hana means “live and thrive by the means of your work.” The program has been around since 1999 on Oahu, 2005 in Hilo and 2007 in Kona. It offers free services to at-risk youth, ages 14 to 21, who are economically and academically disadvantaged, as well as face serious barriers to employment and do not have a high school diploma, said Bettye Williams, Goodwill’s Hawaii County operations director.

“A core ideology of the program is all youth, regardless of their past or barriers, have the potential and abilities to achieve success,” she said.

Halmas blamed his asthma and too many distractions for his poor attendance and grades at Kealakehe High School. Upon first learning he wasn’t going to graduate, Halmas was upset, but not discouraged. When his counselor suggested joining Ola I Ka Hana, Halmas did. “It’s a second chance to make a better life for myself,” he said.

The program has taught him more than just math, reading and job readiness.

“I’ve learned to never give up. It’s never too late to decide what your destination is going to be or how you will get there,” said Halmas, who hopes to become a professional dance choreographer.

Halmas was one of five participants who shared their stories, progress and dreams during Thursday’s ohana night at Goodwill’s Career Center in Kailua-Kona. While their reasons for dropping out of high school varied, all had one thing in common — self-motivation to achieve their ultimate goals.

Ola I Ka Hana occurs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Goodwill’s Career Center located at 74-5599 Luhia St. F4. Fridays are typically used for one-on-one tutoring or counseling. Each participant works with a youth specialist to develop an individualized assessment, service strategy, educational goals, job skills, life skills and personal development. The program is designed to be a learning environment for academics, career exploration and occupational work experience, coupled with life skills.

Training sessions focus on resume development, job search, interviewing skills, job applications and career interests. Goodwill has also paid for some to take the $1,200 certified nursing assistant exam and $75 forklift operator training course. Ola I Ka Hana’s annual operating budget is approximately $400,000. It’s funded by Goodwill, Workforce Investment Act, Hawaii County Workforce Investment Board, Office of Youth Services and state Department of Human Services, Williams said.

Twice a month, participants do community service or go on job exploration excursions. Goodwill is always looking for community events, groups, nonprofits and businesses interested in providing worthwhile experiences or employment opportunities for them. Besides attending classes and completing a competency based test, they must have a minimum of 100 hours of community service or employment to get their diploma, she said.

Ola I Ka Hana last year had 131 participants islandwide. Six participants later pursued higher education by enrolling in local colleges. This year’s program has 91 participants, of which 18 live in West Hawaii. Goodwill is seeking more participants for its program in Kona, where a second youth specialist has been hired and starts work Tuesday. It’s also looking for venues in remote areas, where transportation is a barrier, to bring the program, Williams said.

Most participants have dropped out of school. More than half enter the program with fifth- and sixth-grade reading and math levels, as well as “with low self-esteem and few dreams of what the future holds for them,” she said.

“Many youth have not been successful in a regular school setting for various reasons. Sometimes a young person drops out of school at age 15 or 16, and by the time they are 20, realize they really do need a high school or GED diploma to be eligible for certain jobs, to attend college, to support themselves and family and to realize their potential,” Williams said. “When they come to Ola I Ka Hana with this realization that their future hinges on having paper demonstrating this achievement, they are a much more willing, eager and ready to learn student. Receiving a high school or GED diploma, becoming gainfully employed, entering apprenticeship programs or attending college significantly improves future opportunities for success and enables them to become contributing members and community leaders.”

Traditional classroom learning didn’t work for Josiah Edayan-Kamealoha, but he said Ola I Ka Hana provides an alternative path that’s more rewarding, encouraging, stimulating and individualized. The 17-year-old Kona resident enjoys being able to learn at his own pace and feels like he can ask questions without shame or judgement.

“This program has given me an extra boost,” he said. “I strive to learn everything I can now, not just to get my diploma, but so I can be the best I can be and achieve what matters most to me. I want attend to college and become a graphic designer.”

The program has succeeded in retaining youth until their educational and employment goals are achieved. After 30 hours of participation, they are tested in basic math and reading. The majority go up one to two grade levels from where they started. So far, 16 additional Hawaii Island participants have achieved the requirements for a high school or GED diploma. The total graduates will increase in June, when graduation exercises at local high schools, Goodwill’s career centers and Adult Community Schools, Williams said.

For more information, call 443-5852 or visit higoodwill.org.