Testimonials - SPARK Initiative

These are some of the things participants are saying about our program...

1. “I liked the Spark workshops because it gave good information for me to use. Some I knew of and a lot I didn't that were helpful. My grandson Bronson has learned to socialize better with other children and other adults. Without programs like this to help mentor people, I wouldn't be the best grandparent that I could be...” – Lana Lopes
2. “Spark has a lot of informative workshops and handouts that were real helpful. The Reading workshop that included reading worksheets, games and books really helped Caleb with reading. It gave me the tools I needed to prepare him for kindergarten and new ideas to use when introducing new books to him...” – Desiree Adams
3. “I think all the Spark workshops were educating and helpful. The most fun were the Fun with names because Thane would always like to practice writing his name in fun different ways and the Scrapbooking workshop. Thane enjoys scrapbooking pictures with me and loves to cut a lot...” – Tehani Akana
4. “I have always enjoyed attending Spark workshops as often as I could. The information that I receive helps me to be a better parent as well as being a better educator in my community. All the workshops were fun, new, and gave me so many ideas on how to educate our keiki while making it fun for them...”
5. I could not make it to the Spark workshops because I am a full time parent but I did receive monthly mail-outs on parent tips, upcoming events, monthly calendars and etc... My child would receive gifts in the mail for doing the assessments sent to us and books every so often. The parent tips helped me to manage my time spent when reading to my child and other tips were useful as well. A monthly calendar was mailed out to me with so many fun things to say and do with my child. Fun recipes were given, like how to make homemade ice cream and toothpaste. I really engaged in activities with my child through the mail which was convenient for me...”
6. As an educator in my community as well as a parent of 4 I've learned a lot through Early Childhood Education Programs. Workshops that Spark has hosted were so rejuvenating and informative. I've learned to establish good parenting skills, good work ethic with my colleages and families I help service in the community and had a better understanding of our culture. I can't express how important Early Childhood Education is and how some of these free programs can help our keiki prepare them for a great future...” – Jasmine Paris
7. “Through SPARK my daughter and I were able to build a strong relationship, because we completed activities from the activity calendar.  SPARK has also supported me as a parent, by providing workshops and kindergarten information to assure that my daughter will be ready for school.
   Mahalo Nui Loa” – Sanoe Marfil
8. “SPARK made me more postive and involved with my child’s school readiness.”
9. “SPARK provided activities that enabled me to
   interact with my granddaughter.”
10. “SPARK helped me to read and spend more time with my child.”