Farrington High pioneers first Filipino History Culture course

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – October is Filipino American History Month and that history is making its way to Hawaii classrooms.
Over 200 high school students in the state are taking a new course, CHR 2300 Filipino History Culture, including 135 students at Farrington High School.
A student-driven initiative advocated for Filipino representation in school curriculum.
Filipinos represent the largest Asian ethnic group in Hawaii.
“I’m looking forward to mainly about the history of Filipinos in Hawai’i because I really want to see that connection. And I also wanted to relate to myself, see how that connects to me,” said senior Vel Angela Fernando.
“When a person is more knowledgeable of their culture and their ancestry I think the connection with that gives them, I think, self-confidence and pride in themselves,” said teacher Arlene Nishumura.
In the spring, the course will expand to McKinley High, DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach and Maryknoll School.
Then in Fall 2025, Leilehua High and James Campbell High will have the course available to students.
Learn more about the Filipino Curriculum Project here.
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