A community-based initiative working to help retain teachers on the Wai'anae Coast has received a $750,000 award from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Ho'okula'iwi: 'Aha Ho'ona'auao 'Oiwi (Center for Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Education) works in conjunction with the University of Hawai'i and Nanaikapono Elementary School. Its aim is to improve teacher retention by training people raised in the area to be teachers.

The funding will allow the program "to work more effectively with Native Hawaiian communities and schools to provide improved educational opportunities for children," said Margaret Maaka, program director.