HUI Mālama O Ke Kai: a positive prevention‐based youth development program based on native hawaiian values and activities

Abstract

Abstract Evaluation of after‐school programs that are culturally and place‐based and promote positive youth development among minority and indigenous youths has not been widely published. The present evaluation is the first of its kind of an after‐school, youth‐risk prevention program called Hui Malāma O Ke Kai (HMK), that emphasizes Native Hawaiian values and activities to promote positive youth development for fifth and sixth graders ( N =110) in a rural Native Hawaiian community. Results indicated positive gains on youth self‐reports in Native Hawaiian values, self‐esteem, antidrug use, violence prevention strategies, and healthy lifestyle in Year 1, and in family cohesion, school success, and violence prevention strategies in Year 2. Parent reports of their children indicated positive gains in selected domains. Implications include the support for a promising culturally appropriate program, expansion to middle‐school‐aged youths, and parent involvement. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.