22. Chuuk Language and Cultural Association: COFA and the Chuukese Community in Hawaiʻi

An interview with Setiro Paul, former member of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia and founder of the Chuuk Language and Cultural School on Oʻahu.

The Chuuk Language and Cultural Association of Hawaiʻi, Inc.(Chuukmenessor) was founded in January 2016 by parents in the Oʻahu Chuukese community. The group sought to establish a school where their children can learn Chuukese indigenous culture and skills at the Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant Resource Center, and built an “utteirek,” a meeting place for the community at the Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village. Project partners help to repair the utteirek’s thatched roof, made of woven coconut leaves. Through this process, students learn how to build an utteirek and are immersed in the Chuukese language, values, and skills.

Website: chuukmenessor.com

Tags: Hawaiʻi, Hawai'i, Hawaii