Maui Community College TV to air new local television series on importance of mentoring youth

Maui College
Contact:
Katie McMillan, (808) 984-3549
Marketing and Community Relations
Posted: Feb 4, 2009

KAHULUI, Maui — "Go School No Come Like Me," a new, locally produced television series focusing on the importance of education will air on Maui Community College (Maui CC) TV Channel 55 every Saturday and Sunday, January 12-May 6, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Each episode features an interview with a Hawaii resident whose life was transformed through strong family support towards achieving an education. They candidly discuss how their family influenced their lives, how they paid for their education, and the challenges they faced along the way.

Many of the interviewees grew up with limited financial resources and parents with little education. Through encouragement and support they were able to break through the cycle of poverty and become leaders and visionaries in their communities. The program is hosted by Leona Rocha, a successful businesswoman who was greatly influenced by the support of her parents while growing up on Maui.

"As a family and community we need to nurture our children to stay in school. That means every parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, teachers and friends should reach out to their young and encourage them to stay in school. They can influence a child in simple ways such as reading a book, taking them to the ocean to learn about sea life or to a construction site to learn about the building industry. Nurturing a child is simple. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference in a child‘s life," states Rocha.

According to an article printed in The Honolulu Advertiser in June 2008, one in four children does not graduate from high school. "Go School No Come Like Me" seeks to reach out to parents by helping them to understand the value of education. As a result, they may be more likely to encourage and support their children‘s academic pursuits.

Guests on "Go School No Come Like Me" include Maui County Councilwoman Gladys Baisa; Lorraine and Kay Tamaribuchi, a teacher and chemical engineer; Lance Jo, a music teacher; Bobby Santos, an instructor in Maui Community College‘s Culinary Arts program; Whitney Kim, a speech teacher; Keala Kamakeeaina, a theatre performer; Stephanie Kamakeeaina, a science teacher; Harrison Miyahira, an engineer and owner of HME Company; and Melen Agcolicol, a successful entrepreneur.

For more information on the series, contact Maui CC at (808) 984-3549. The latest Maui CC TV schedule can be also found by visiting www.maui.hawaii.edu.

For more information, visit: http://www.maui.hawaii.edu