Community building can take many forms. Sometimes it is plain hard work, money and tireless energy. Sometimes it happens through example.
Makia and Ann Malo have given us a bit of both, through the creation of a scholarship fund for Native Hawaiians that they have inspired and will contribute to through their estate.
Makia Malo is a well-known storyteller and cultural specialist who grew up at Kalaupapa on Moloka‘i, where we was forcibly moved at age 12 when he came down with Hansen’s disease. It can be said that his community gave up on him, but Malo did not give up on his community.
In later life, Malo went back to school, earned his degree from the University of Hawai‘i and became a professional storyteller. He works now as artist-in-residence at Pacific Resources for Education and Learning.
In honor of those who mentored Makia and taught him to take advantage of the opportunities before him, the couple has kicked off a scholarship fund for Native Hawaiians through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. The scholarships will go to Hawaiians interested in studying law, medicine or dentistry who will commit to returning and serving their community.
Through example, and through the scholarship that will bear their name, the Malos are building community.
