"All children have the right to learn, and the capacity to be caring, responsible, contributing members of the community. Children learn best through active interaction with their environment and the community of people around them"
Kansha means GRATITUDE
Kansha is a word steeped in Japanese tradition that goes far beyond simple thanks to a feeling of compassion and thankfulness expressed through one's actions.
Our Gratitude To The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
Kansha Preschool is a living legacy of the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center.
The memorial center is dedicated to the Japanese-American soldiers of World War II, including the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the famed 100th Infantry Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). The soldiers of the 100th Infantry and 442nd Regiment, many who came from the plantation camps and communities on Maui, became the most highly decorated in U.S. Army History. The soldiers of the Military Intelligence Service played a pivotal role in ending the war in the Pacific.
The Preschool and intergenerational center reflect the values of the Nisei veterans: honor, respect, and love of family and community.
The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center will be completed with the construction of the Education Building in the hillside adjacent to the Preschool. This long-awaited museum and classroom will house the Nisei Veterans' archive collection and provide the resources for collection and provide the resources for the community to learn much more about their lives and their dedication to duty in service to our country.
Owner
The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center facility is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation, and the sponsoring organization of Kansha Preschool, also a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
History
The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center was incorporated in 1991 with the purpose of overseeing the acquisition of a site for the construction of a memorial in Hawai'i to honor the Nisei Veterans of the 100th Batallion, the 44nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). The Center was formed by representatives of all of the veterans organizations on Maui associated with Japanese Americans of World War II, including: the Maui AJA Veterans, Inc.; Club 100; 442nd Veterans Club; Military and Intelligence Service; West Maui AJA Veterans; and the Maui Sons and Daughters of Nisei Veterans. [for more information about the Center, please go to their website at: www.nvmc.org]
Purpose
When the Nisei Veterans Center By-Laws were drawn up in 1992, one of the stated purposes of the center was: 'to recognize the youth and the elderly as our greatest resources and to provide for them as a necessity'. This intergenerational center will reflect the values of the center as stated in it's by-laws. We honor the Nisei Veterans by perpetuating the values they believed in and fought for: honor, respect, determination and service to others.
Mission And Vision Of The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center And Kansha Preschool
'The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center is commited to building a lasting tribute to the Nisei soldiers of World War II who displayed quiet determiniation in the face of skepticism, and steadfast courage that the Constitution would eventually be upheld as standing for all of the people all of the time.'
Kansha Preschool is honored to serve as a legacy for the veterans for whom our facility, the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, is named. The Preschool is designed for families who want their children to grow in awareness of and appreciation for the rich cultural history of their island home.
Our hope is that these values of the Nisei veterans are perpetuated through our children and families: the importance of love and respect for, and service to one's family and community; gratitude to those who care for you; and commitment to making the world a positive place for everyone.
We are co-located in our facility with the Maui Adult Day Care Center's Oceanview program. An important segment of our activities are the learning experiences we share with the high-functioning clients who may be in the early stages of alzeheimer's disease, elderly, or physically frail. We are all enriched by these oppurtunities to care for each other.
The children create deep friendships with the "grandmas & grandpas", gaining insight into dealing with challenges we all face as part of living. These mentors engage with the children in activities such as constructing play with manipulatives, reading together, playing games, taking walks around the yard together, creating art, and singing and dancing. The conversation flows with laughter and hugs as daily hallmarks of time spent together.
Application For Admission
Kansha Preschool is open to families on a space-available basis. Children must be three years old and toilet trained on entry. Please call the school to arrange for an application form and brochure so that our staff can be available to respond to any questions you might have.
After your application is recieved, we will contact you when space is availabe and schedule a parent and child interview tour of our preschool. You recieve your enrollment contract and required entry forms at this time. These are due with our non-refundable enrollment fee within two weeks of the interview tour to assure your child's space. Generally, enrollment beigns on the first working day of a month.
Our Facility
Our classroom is licensed for 16 children over age 3 and under age 6; we maintain a 1-to-8 adult to child ratio. We share a common courtyard lawn and lanai areas with the "grandmas and grandpas".
Hours Of Operation
Our Preschool hours are 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday except for holidays and vacation periods.
Curriculum
We provide a framework, guidance, and tools to engage children's interests in learning and constructing knowledge based in meaningful experiences. We encourage activities where the actions of children determine the outcomes. Open-ended activities allow children to learn cause-and-effect, and develop analytical skills for problem solving the "whys" and "what ifs".
Together we learn about our own histories, the people and places that form our community, and how we can all make positive contributions to our island home and the world.
Calendar
SCHOOL YEAR: August through June.
We follow the D.O.E. holiday schedule, and are closed for additional Preschool holidays as listed on our annual school year calendar. Children are also on vacation:
Fall Break: From County Fair Friday through the following Friday
Christmas Break: From the start of the D.O.E. break through January 3.
Spring Break: Same week as D.O.E.
Tuition And Fees
Please inquire with the Director for information on Tuition, Enrollment Fee and Other Fees.
Kansha Preschool
at the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
3 Go For Broke Place, Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-242-5437
Mailing Address:
P.O. BOX 969, Wailuku, HI 96793
Email: kanshapreschool_gmail.com
Driving Directions
To Enter From Wailuku: Take Lower Main Street toward Kahului Beach Road, turn right into our driveway which is past the street light at Waiehu Beach Road.
To Enter From Kahului: From Kahului Beach Road, use the left turn lane just before the traffic light at Lower Main Street and Waiehu Beach Road.
TO EXIT: Right turn only Kahului Beach Road.
Please enter and exit carefully.
Kansha Preschool Application.pdf
