Atherton 2023-2024 Final Report Summary
Program Overview: The BCB Program, implemented in Kailua-Kona, addressed educational needs by fostering cultural exchange and durable skill development among students. The program connected four schools—two in Hawaii and two in Tonga—through letter exchanges and video conferences, enriching students’ understanding of diverse cultures and enhancing empathy and leadership skills.
Impact and Accomplishments: The program directly served 110 students, with an additional 900 indirectly benefiting. The initiative deepened students’ cultural awareness, with over 90% agreeing on the importance of learning about different cultures. Students began writing letters in their native languages, fostering a unique and unexpected cultural exchange.
Challenges and Lessons Learned: Scheduling across different time zones and academic calendars posed challenges, as did a staffing issue on the Hawaii side. However, a strong internet connection in Tonga facilitated seamless video exchanges. Future plans include a more structured schedule and a template for showcasing the BCB experience.
Sector Trends: The education sector is experiencing significant funding cutbacks due to the expiration of ESSER funding, necessitating increased support from the nonprofit sector to help schools recover.
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