Written by Yvonne Jayne
West Hawaii Explorations Academy is a STEM charter school on the Big island of Hawaii. An award-winning school, it has received national and international awards in solar engineering and robotics.
When Covid impacted Hawaii in 2020, cases were so extreme that the school had to shut down for a school year. The economy was crippled by unemployment spiraling over 20%. The severity of people’s isolation and financial struggles affected the students in negative ways. When the students returned to campus, the school administration realized students needed more than science and technology.
A plan was designed for students to create music to overcome the anxiety of what they were going through. Guitars 4 Gifts donated brand new ukuleles, and soon music began to emanate across the campus, creating cheer for teachers and support staff, as well as the students.
Volunteer teachers stepped in to help the students continue to learn to play music. The music classes were held three times a week during school days, and once a week after school. Middle and high school students participated in the music lessons. Where there had been despondency among the students, there was renewed joy and hope.
One student, in particular, who had been withdrawn and wore a hoodie to cover his face from other students, began learning the ukulele after school. He was shy at first, but within weeks, he was playing music and laughing with the other students. His transformation was amazing. This student went on to join other after-school activities, and soon he made new friends. This would not have been possible without the power of music.
Other students continued gaining confidence from practicing music. Teachers decided to let the school week start with “Music Monday,” an assembly time when students got up to perform music for the entire school. The teachers joined in, singing and playing their instruments for the students. This newfound emphasis on music became a school-wide phenomenon.
The teachers joined in, singing and playing their instruments for the students. This newfound emphasis on music became a school-wide phenomenon.
There is nothing else that could have cured the intensity of the students’ sorrow caused from the pandemic Guitars 4 Gifts, and the generosity it afforded to West Hawaii Explorations Academy, has given students hope for a positive future, one that will include a continuing music curriculum at West Hawaii Explorations Academy; and more importantly, many lifetimes of love for music.