Dear VOPIN Community,
Happy February! We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we dive into the second month of the year, we're excited to share some heartwarming updates from VOPIN's Navigating Education (NE) project at Bremerton High School. Our Education Navigators, Ms. Leano Pese, and Mr. Jon Metric have seamlessly woven into the fabric of Navigating Education, bringing a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to our students. The feedback from students has been incredibly positive, with both Leano and Jon creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences for our students.
We are proud to report that the efforts of our Education Navigators are yielding fantastic results. Students are not only excelling academically but also developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for their Pacific Islander heritage. Our Navigators' commitment to fostering academic and personal growth is truly commendable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community members who generously volunteer their time to meet with our students during the Navigating Education after-school program. Your dedication has a lasting impact on the lives of these students, providing them with valuable insights, mentorship, and a sense of connection to the broader community.
The Navigating Education program continues to be a safe space for students to explore their cultural roots, interests, and academic aspirations. At NE, transparency is at the core of our values. We believe in keeping our community informed about our progress, challenges, and successes. If you have any questions or would like more detailed information about our programs, please feel free to reach out. We are here to ensure that you are well-informed and engaged in our mission to support our students, especially our Pacific Islander students. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to providing quality education, mentorship, and cultural enrichment to our students. Your ongoing support and involvement make a significant difference, and we are grateful to have you on this journey with us. Thank you for being a vital part of the Voices of Pacific Island Nations community! Go Knights!
Warm regards,
The NE Team
Harmony in Motion
During VOPIN's Wednesday after-school session, students showcased dedication and celebrated their cultural heritage through mesmerizing hula dance. A highlight is featured guest speaker Aljolynn Sperber, sharing her captivating life journey from Hawaii to adventures in Norway, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington. Aljolynn seamlessly connected her cultural background with diverse educational and professional pursuits, discussing her transition from sports medicine to Spanish studies and her current position as Executive Director for Visit Kitsap. Her insights into economic vitality and entrepreneurship resonated deeply, emphasizing the transformative impact on local communities. Aljolynn's commitment to community development shines through as she supports VOPIN students, encouraging them to pursue their passions. The session concluded with an inspiring Q&A, offering students a wellspring of wisdom from Aljolynn's experiences.
Aljolynn also played a crucial role in organizing VOPIN's '2023 Together for Education' annual luau event last August. The event was a successful fundraiser for our 'Navigating Education' project, which is a part of VOPIN's Youth & Young Adults program. The staff and students of Navigating Education would like to express their gratitude and send an Aloha spirit 'Mahalo' to Aljolynn Sperber for her valuable contributions towards the success of our students and the NE project.
VOPIN Earns Platinum Seal of Transparency
Exciting news! VOPIN has proudly earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, showcasing our unwavering commitment to openness and providing supporters with a clear understanding of our impactful initiatives for Pasefika students and families. This recognition underscores our dedication to transparency in operations. Your support is invaluable, and we're grateful to have you on this journey.
Unleash Your Inner Hero!
You can invest in a brighter future for our youth with a $10 monthly contribution. It's not just a donation but an investment in their dreams and aspirations!
Together, we'll supercharge our Navigating Education program, igniting a fire of purpose and optimism to guide our students toward a prosperous future! As we stand together for our Pasefika students, their voices unite in gratitude:
Fa'afetai tele, Mahalo, Si Yu'os Ma'ase, Salamat, Malo-e-lelei, Kinisou, Kinisou chapur, Whakawhetai koe.
'Thank you,' for your boundless generosity in making a monumental difference!
Embrace your inner hero and change lives today!
Other ways to donate
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King County employees: Donate through the King County Employee Giving Program
Washington State employees: Donate through the Washington State Combined Drive
