Mayor Alan Arakawa announced the creation of "Operation: Pass the Dream Forward" on Wednesday.
In
February, a delegation from the county, including council Chairman
Danny Mateo, Council Members Gladys Baisa, Elle Cochran and Don Couch
and Managing Director Keith Regan traveled to the Philippines with Maui
Filipino Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Zalsos to formalize Maui
County's sister city agreement with the town of Badoc.
During
their visit, the Maui County delegation met with various mayors and
discussed the needs of their respective communities and ways in which
Maui County could make its sister city relationships with them more
meaningful. Many indicated that there is a shortage of books written in
English and that such books could enhance the education of children in
their region, a news release about the program said.
"There is
such a strong desire for the people of Ilocos Norte to learn the English
language," said Regan. "Having a shortage of books written in English
therefore makes learning challenging."
Upon returning to Maui, Arakawa was informed of the need and together with Regan came up with the idea of a book drive.
"We
thought that a book drive would be a perfect gift to our sister cities
(Badoc, Bacarra, San Nicolas, and Sarrat) of Ilocos Norte as books
provide a lifelong gift of literacy to children," Arakawa said. "At the
same time, such a project would be a great opportunity for parents to
talk to their children about the importance of sharing with others."
New
and used books for both children and adults may be dropped off at the
Mayor's Office on the ninth floor and at the second-floor lobby of the
Kalana O Maui building; the Department of Environmental Management
administrative office, Suite 100, One Main Plaza; Araki-Regan &
Associates; Bistro Manila Maui: Four Sisters Bakery; Four Sisters
Restaurant; KPMW; and Noble Travel.
[courtesy of Maui News]
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