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Beneficiary
A program developed at Kapi'olani College (which is part of the University of Hawaii) and subsequently citizens of the Marshall Islands.
Project Description
Once a strategic site for U.S. nuclear weapons testing after World War II, the Marshall Islands endured 67 detonations between 1946 and 1958. Entire communities were displaced. Traditional ties to land and reef were broken. Failed resettlements increased trauma and cultural loss. With Climate Change the Islands are facing heat waves, stronger cyclones, saline intrusion, flooding, king tides, rogue waves, and potential permanent inundation.
Students from Kapi'olani College in Oahu have the opportunity to participate in an Exchange Program entitled: Field Research Methods, Sustainability Study Abroad from Aug 15 to 23, 2026 in the Marshall Islands. The Program is based upon the CERENE(Community Engagement for Resilient Neighborhoods)and TI-PAR(Transdisciplinary, Intergenerational, Participatory, Action Research) methodology, an approach advanced by the Project Lead, Dr. Miku Lenetine, a Rotarian. The program brings together students, researchers, and community partners to co-create knowledge, strengthen resilience, and support local initiatives in community resilience, health, preparedness, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
This approach amplifies Indigenous voices and worldviews, advances sustainability and helps address the challenges of climate change. The program facilitates collaboration, generates solutions, and uplifts the next generation of youth leaders on the Marshall Islands.
Materials supplied to students (cots, hammocks, sleeping bags, first aid kits) participating in the Exchange Program will be donated as emergency resilience hub supplies after the Exchange is completed.
This Exchange program is a smaller part of much larger work/research/collaboration ongoing on the Islands.
During their 9 days on the Exchange students will be involved in:
• Preparedness and Community Resilience in partnership the Pacific Allies (US registered non-profit who liaises with Marshall Island) , Kwajalein Atoll Local Government (KALGOV) and The Emergency Operations Centre in emergency preparedness drills and resilience hub support while practicing ethnography and TI-PAR Methodology.
• Youth, Technology and Empowerment - partnership with Father Hacker High School and Local Public High schools to host a jointly attended Technology Camp, mentoring students in digital literacy and supporting community based sustainable development
• Bio-cultural Restoration and Food Security - Join WETO Kwajalein (Women's Group) and KALGOV in forest restoration, socio-ecological and cultural mapping,and food garden development, integrating local knowledge and TIPAR practices.
The students are raising funds to cover their airfare ($2,000 each) as well as activities. They will be camping (cot and hammocks) during the majority of their exchange
Recognition
Students will be presenting on the Exchange studies to Rotarian and non-Rotarian clubs.
Rotarian Involvement
This project is being led by a Rotarian, and a local member of government on the Islands, is an associate member of our eClub (as well as UN Presidential Envoy for Nuclear Justice and Human Rights). At present there is no Rotary club on the Marshall Islands. As noted above, the students will be working quite closely with community leaders and community members to help build local systems.
Funding
$2,400.00 total
Funds requested:
$1,200.00 eClub D5010 (Satellite Peace Club)
DDF requested: $1,200.00 (or as available)
Use of Funds
The budget provides the cots, hammocks, sleeping bags and first aid kits for the Students participating on the Exchange, which will then be left behind as a resource on the Islands.
Timeline
The project will be completed in August 2026.
Budget (US $)
Items and Cost
8 camp cots 1000
8 hammocks 750
8 sleeping bags 250
Extra baggage
fees to get
materials to
Marshall Is. 200
10 First aid kits 200
Total $2,400
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