Cafe ‘Anela

This year a team of educators including Jacinta Helin, Sydney Popvich, Michelle Martin, Momi Smith, Delilah Preman, Justin Moniz and Mel Mamhot are facilitating a great new program for HHIS FSC students. The program was made possible by Mrs. Rachelle Matsumura who secured initial start up funds to get it off and running. One of the goals of the Anela Academy is to give their students real world work experience. They wasted no time in helping their students start a business that offers delicious lunches, provided by local restaurants and refreshing coffee drinks for HHIS staff. They also focus on sustainable practices teaching students gardening and recycling. Here’s the low down!

We heard the FSC students are running a new business on campus. Can you tell us about it?

G&G is a small student-led café, food delivery, gardening, and recycling business venture, housed on our very own Honoka’a High & Intermediate School campus. The purpose of this business venture is to expose students with disabilities to experiences they may encounter in their career fields, assess their work-based skill sets, and teach them the skills they will need in the future. Overall, G&G is a stepping stone to post high school transition which will nurture knowledgeable, skill based, self-sufficient (as much as possible) employees who can compete in the employment market, and sustain employment.

What skills are the students putting into practice with this project?

Customer service skills
various work development skills
Independent daily living
Effective communication,
Social etiquette and interaction
Money management
Food safety and handling
Health and hygiene (Personal & Work Site)
Dress etiquette
Filling out job applications
Job Interviewing

The lovely and talented FSC students are ready for business.

What are your students saying about their jobs in ʻĀnela Cafe?

Students love it and are excited about working in the Cafe. They take great pride in the Cafe and the achievements they gain from it. They really look forward to seeing and communicating with teachers who visit the cafe.

How can teachers support the Anela Cafe?

Patronizing the cafe is one way teachers can support us. Visiting the cafe in person and interacting with the students is also important to help the students grow socially and also to give them a sense of pride at the services they offer in person. Come by, get a coffee and talk story with the students!