“1,000 Student Voices about Furlough Fridays” a display consisting of student-produced artwork, letters and video messages detailing their own perspective on the importance of education, can be seen this First Friday weekend at Ong King Art Center, 184 North King St., and Fresh Café, 831 Queen St.
Previously, “1,000 Student Voices” was on display at the state Capitol.
“Today is the state of Hawai‘i’s 10th public school furlough day. While the state’s political leadership has been bogged down in posturing and finger-pointing, the massive educational theft that has deprived students of almost 10 percent of their school year is still in progress, Save Our Schools Hawaii, the grassroots organizer of the display, said in a news release.
SOS Hawaii wants to keep the issue of furloughs alive in the public consciousness. The group is asking: “If we accept public school furloughs, what other policies impacting education will foisted on Hawai‘i’s keiki next?” Also, SOS Hawaii maintains: “It is up to the people of Hawai‘i to question furlough Fridays as a solution to the budget shortfall, and to come together to support making quality education a top priority for the next generation.
SOS Hawaii “stands with Hawaii’s public and charter school children and teachers. “We are united behind one promise: we will do all we can to make sure Hawaii’s keiki and teachers are valued, prioritized, and that education is sustainably funded. We believe that investing in education today supports all of Hawaii for tomorrow.”