Founded in 2015, Oti’a ‘Ore - Transitions Without Borders, a 509 (a)(2) public charity, aims to expand high achieving, low income students’ learning of traditional or contemporary Polynesian skills; to foster their creativity and entrepreneurship, and to preserve and share the mana of Ma’ohi heritage.
Our Hawai’i chapter does that by supporting and sponsoring a select group of deserving Polynesian students to Hawai’i each summer. Our first 3-week experiential program is scheduled for July 2022.
2022 program postponed due to Covid
The main goals of this experience are to:
Who are the sponsored students?
During the program, our Polynesian students will:
We invite anyone and everyone desiring to value and spread the mana of the Ma’ohi universe to join us in supporting the unique and rare talents of these Polynesian students. Any contribution in time, money, skills or knowledge, is much appreciated. Transitions Without Borders is a 509(a)(2) public charity (EIN #47-5486584). Financial contributions are tax deductible.
Our Hawai’i chapter does that by supporting and sponsoring a select group of deserving Polynesian students to Hawai’i each summer. Our first 3-week experiential program is scheduled for July 2022.
2022 program postponed due to Covid
The main goals of this experience are to:
- Promote young Polynesian talents and preserve Polynesian culture, traditions, and know-how in Hawai’i.
- Inspire students to believe in themselves and their skills, and that they can live off their passion and contribute to the sustainable development of their island.
- Deepen acquired skills and knowledge in a new environment, through experiential learning and exchanges.
Who are the sponsored students?
- Students (16 years old and above) who are ‘boursiers’ (eligibility equivalent to ‘Free Lunch Program’ in Tahiti and its islands), currently enrolled in a secondary or trade school, or have just finished their professional training.
- Students who have a thirst for sharing and learning, who want to validate their skills beyond the borders of Tahiti and its islands.
- Students who have the grit of perseverance and want to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zone; to live new experiences; to know their Hawaiian cousins; to learn a new culture; to learn or practice their English.
- Students who have developed a specific talent, skill, or knowledge related to the Polynesian world or traditions. Examples include carving, sculpting, weaving, painting, sewing, kapa, pareo, drums/percussion/other instruments, jewelry, dance costumes, outrigger canoe paddle making, etc.
During the program, our Polynesian students will:
- Showcase and share their skills and their work with, learn from our Hawai’i communities, including other students in Hawai’i, professionals, businesses and organizations in their same areas of interest.
- Participate in a Polynesian festival and permanent exhibit, the proceeds of which will fund scholarships for the continuation of their professional development, their transition to a career, their business startup, and the sponsorship of the annual Hawaii trip for the next cohort of new students.
- Learn and practice the English language, as well as Hawaiian and American cultures through a full immersion stay with a host family.
- Discover Hawai’i through field trips; social, athletic, artistic and cultural experiences and activities.
We invite anyone and everyone desiring to value and spread the mana of the Ma’ohi universe to join us in supporting the unique and rare talents of these Polynesian students. Any contribution in time, money, skills or knowledge, is much appreciated. Transitions Without Borders is a 509(a)(2) public charity (EIN #47-5486584). Financial contributions are tax deductible.
