Mission Statement
At M.A.L.U., our mission is to empower youth and build resilient communities by providing a malu—a haven and shelter where individuals can thrive through culturally rooted education, workforce development, and community engagement. We aim to create a nurturing environment where adolescents and teens gain essential skills to succeed in the workforce, all while grounding their growth in Hawaiian cultural arts such as hula, lei making, Hawaiian martial arts, and lauhala weaving.
By integrating music and culinary arts, we offer a safe and supportive space that promotes individual capacity building and career pathways while honoring our rich heritage. Through a combination of cultural education and tailored activities, we cultivate a brighter future guided by tradition, knowledge sharing, and aloha. Malu, as both a concept and a foundation, reflects our commitment to being a shelter of guidance, growth, and unity for the community we serve.
Pillars of M.A.L.U.
Malama (Care and Stewardship)
We prioritize the stewardship of our kino (self), ‘aina (land), and lahui (community) as essential foundations for personal and collective growth. Through education and knowledge sharing, we empower our people to care for themselves and each other, cultivating a sustainable future rooted in respect and responsibility. Malu, as a haven of care, inspires us to embrace stewardship with compassion and aloha.
Alaka’i (Leadership)
Our commitment to leadership development focuses on preparing future leaders of our lahui through cultural education and workforce skills. By nurturing these abilities, we ensure the continuity of our values and the preservation of Hawaiian heritage. Through the protective guidance of malu, we foster leaders who embody responsibility and resilience.
Lokahi (Unity)
We believe that strong community bonds and intergenerational connections are key to youth development. By creating spaces for multi-generational learning, we honor tradition and support the seamless transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next, strengthening unity within our community. Malu serves as a space where unity flourishes, ensuring that all feel sheltered in belonging and collaboration.
Ulu (Growth)
Growth within our communities, particularly among our youth, is essential for readiness and opportunity. By fostering environments that encourage skill-building and learning, we prepare the next generation of leaders to carry forward the legacy of our lahui. Within the protective haven of Malu, growth is nurtured, ensuring our traditions and values thrive for generations to come.