The Honolulu Zoo was the perfect venue for Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers (KOKA-FLC) annual End of the Year Celebration. This year marks the 10th year anniversary of Keiki O Ka Aina's existence. The event drew a crowd of more than 1,000 parents and children.

The day was festive and packed with special guests including Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona who opened the day with a proclamation and prayer. Local entertainers included the Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Riatea Helm, Kapena, the New Hope Men's Ministry and Hula, and backyard favorites Waiaulu. Keiki enjoyed activities put on by the Zoo, and the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative, bouncers, Keiki ID's by the Honolulu Police Department, a silent auction, and a fish pond.

Keiki enjoying some of the activities setup by Keiki O Ka Aina

The day was a celebration for the participants in Keiki O Ka Aina's four major programs including the Parent Participation Preschool (PPP) program, the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program, Supporting Families Affected by Incarceration (SFAI) and the Parents As Teachers (PAT) program were on hand as well.

Momi Guerrero Durand, the agency's Executive Director, was quoted: "I can't believe that 10 years has gone by so quickly. We started out with 30 families at Kalihi Baptist Church and no funding a decade ago and now we serve more than 2,000 each year with our free programs on 2 islands and at 40 different community sites."

The day was a great success, it was an opportunity to gather, build relationships, play with children and say thank you to the dedicated parents who are committed to the success and well being of their children as shown by their participation in the programs we offer.