“Aloha Always WINS!” Children’s Program & Book Fights Bullying in over 300 Hawaii schools

News Release from Choose Aloha, May 15, 2023

With a spike in school violence & bullying in the Aloha State, a local non-profit is bringing much-needed education and solutions to schools. “Choose Aloha” Program is simple: It teaches keiki to choose love not hate, bullying, self-harm or suicidal ideation. Gratefully the curriculum is required by Hawaii’s Department of Education & it’s free! Now, in addition to the S.E.L. (Social Emotional Learning) curriculum & fun school rallies, there are also local Children’s Books to help advance the message. 

“Prevention is one of the most effective & preferred solutions for bullying,” says Aloha Ambassador Dawn O’Brien, who spearheads Choose Aloha. “If we can ‘vaccinate’ our keiki against bullying before it happens, we’re more likely to stop it. Our local children’s books also give educators, parents, & community members a safe space to start the conversation in a non-threatening, comfortable way.”  

Over 300 schools in Hawaii have the Choose Love curriculum created by a mother who lost her son in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. It’s spread to all 50 states in America and over 120 countries. Hawaii is the state that has most adoption of the program in the most schools. “But of course, we’re the ALOHA State! Love is our first name & our identity!” beams O’Brien, or ’Aunty Dawn’ as she’s known in many elementaries where Choose Aloha videos are used in classrooms. 

There are two children’s books in the Aloha series: First, “Aloha Allova: A Sacred Secret to Save the Day,” released August 2022. And a new release, “Aloha Always Wins!”, focuses on bullying. It’s sold on amazon.com and in local bookstores like Logos at Ward Centre and Life Resources on Sand Island. 

We welcome you to feature a POSITIVE, UPLIFTING STORY of how Choose ALOHA is spreading in Hawaii. Dawn is available for interview or to provide photos & video. TY!

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Resources: www.ChooseLoveMovement.org

KITV: “Aloha Always Wins!” Children’s program and book fights bullying in schools