The cord that connects the cultures of this world is made up of many strands. Through string figures and storytelling, we can teach children how to weave love and harmony into the pattern of their lives. It is our intent to develop health and wellness through the arts, using words, images, feelings and movement. The focus is holistic. Woven into the fabric is an awareness of nature, culture and the arts, spirituality, communication and literacy.

We have been influenced by the way children have been taught during the passage of time in Hawaii and Polynesia. The kupuna’s (elders) would watch the children and determine their strengths. They would then teach to these strengths. The children were taught to look and to listen. Observation and awareness were skills that were valued. “Watch me and do as I do” was echoed in their family. The extended family of tutu’s, aunties and uncles would tell them stories and the oral traditions were passed down from their ancestors. Visiting storytellers and competitions would be held. Games would be played and the child’s skills would again be observed and nurtured. The Spirit of Aloha was highly valued. Western thought and the mix of cultural values have influenced changes in how children are educated today. We want to bring back some of the traditions of the past and weave them into the fabric of today. Reviving the art of string figures and storytelling creates an atmosphere of learning that reflects the values held not only by Hawaiian traditions but also of traditions expressed in the peoples of cultures from around the world.

String Figures are called Hei in Hawaii. In 1928 a man named Lyle A. Dickey recorded over 115 different Hawaiian figures. Many of the figures came with stories and chants. String figures have been found in almost all of the cultures of the world and new ones continue to be created. Many people remember the games of Cat’s Cradle, Cup and Saucer and Jacob’s Ladder but there are thousands more. Most people no longer remember how to make the string figures. We want to bring back the memories and revive this ancient art.

The String Games on the Beach project is an educational outreach program. Young men and women are currently living in the campgrounds and in tents on the land of the Islands. They are having children of their own and these children are not receiving a formal education. If they are being home schooled it is minimal. We became aware of this population of people in need as we walked the beach near the cottage we are renting. We may see them for a month or two and then not again. We do not know what happens to them but we do know that they have welcomed our support as we put a rainbow colored string in their hands and taught them how to play string games. Mother and child sit for a few moments in laughter, free, if only for a while, of their concerns and stresses.

We want to establish an educational program without walls. This program will not just be limited to the children living on the land but will include local residents and visitors. All will be welcome to participate in the sharing of aloha. All will be invited into this extended family.

We have held string games at Anini Beach Park. Our first session attracted 8 students and the next session 12. Only word of mouth and a note on the bulletin boards accomplished this.

We have produced sets of instructional booklets and have created string loops through the donations of people who were interested in what they saw us doing.

We have extended the awareness of Hawaiian String Figures and Storytelling to local school children and we have presented string figures and storytelling in conjunction with the Hawaiian Public Library System, County of Kauai.

We have held workshops and private sessions for local residents and visitors to our island. This has helped us to finance the programs we have offered to date.

We are currently researching material for a book, writing booklets of instructions and producing a video and an audio CD. We have done all of this with the help of the money we have been saving for retirement and with the donations so generously given by people who feel that our ministry is important.

In addition to the financial support we need in order to continue our work, we need influence in the form of advertising and PR. Awareness of our program will be increased with the support of influential others who can promote this ministry. Blessings and Prayers are always warmly accepted.

Women and Children are the ideal audience. However interest has been growing to include many men among our participants and supporters. Interest in this art connects all ages. We want to focus on the young children living on our beaches but we also feel that it is important to include the local residents and visitors who can add the variety necessary for an enriched experience of sharing from many ages, levels of experience and cultural influences.

The beaches and parks of our island are appropriate places for people of many experiences to gather. Other aspects of our program can take place in homes, schools, libraries, community centers, art and literary centers, colleges, healing centers, churches, hospitals, retirement facilities, hotels and tourist venues, fairs and public gatherings. On Easter Island there is a yearly string figure contest where children and adults see who can make the figures named. We think there should be one in Hawaii as is the tradition in many parts of Polynesia. But first we must bring this art into awareness in all possible venues.

Aloha International has provided a platform for reaching people on an international range. Our network continues to grow with the schools, libraries, artists and healers of this Island. We have also received support and encouragement from many people of Hawaiian ancestry.