Next semester a new tradition will begin at Kapiʻolani Community College – International Games Week at the library. The library and learning resources staff just received two grants: Honda International Opportunities Fund from the UH Community College System Office, and The Diversity and Equity Initiative award from the UH SEED office.
A SEED refers to funding for the start-up of an organization or activity as a new venture, explained Brandon Higa, grants development specialist. The Honda International Opportunities Fund Grant was awarded on Oct. 18 and the planning and discussion is beginning this month.
Currently planned for next year from Feb. 10 to 14, the same week as the library’s annual event, Valentine’s Day, Love your Library!, International Games Week will have at least four board games from different regions of the world, including: Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Americas. Board games will be added to the library’s collection after International Games Week, and will also be available for loan to KapCC faculty and staff, students and clubs.
Prizes for the winners will include tickets to the Bishop Museum, Hawai‘i International Film Festival, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i and the Shangri-La Center for Islamic Arts and Culture.
“The event is aiming to promote diversity and sharing of other cultures and values around the world,” Higa wrote in an email correspondence.
Each day of the week will focus on one of the different regions.
Those participating, not just students, but staff and faculty as well, in the event will be able to assemble their own badges in different languages. There is also going to be a banner and tablecloth signing where students will have the option to decorate a reusable cloth, again, with different languages and cultural icons. Participants will be able to taste food and drink samples from the region that is featured on each day, Joy Oehlers, librarian shared.
“The library is a gathering place, both physically and virtually for cultural exchange and diversity in learning through the development of collections, creation of original content and participation in exhibits and performances,” Higa wrote.
Because KapCC does not have dorms for students, Higa explained, it becomes critical that the campus arrange events for students to interact and encourage student engagement.
“We will work with student organizations such as the International Club, International Café and the Otaku Club,” Oehlers said. “Any other interested organizations, faculty, staff or students should contact us.”