In order to have a positive impact now and in the future, it is necessary to reflect back to where we’ve come from so we’ll understand where we are going. I am privileged to have this opportunity to share with you our humble beginnings.

Intersections, Inc. began with a vision in 2002 when I came home from Florida to visit my mother and saw that the statistics on juvenile delinquency have intensified. Issues such as teenage pregnancy, violence, alcohol, and abuse were high among the list as well as other behaviors such as truancy and hopelessness as noted in the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey.

Throughout several conversations I had with teenagers, there is one that left a heavy impression on my heart to this day. I asked a 13-year old boy, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Without any hesitation he said, “I want to work at the cannery.” I asked, “Why?” He responded, “Because my mother works there, my father works there, and my brother and sisters work there.”

It was apparent that the need transcended beyond intellectual to social and spiritual impoverishment among the youth. Island Breeze Ministries from Florida donated two computers and classes on computer literacy began in my home. In less than two weeks, the number of students grew from 5 to 35, and the first After School Arts Program (ASAP) was created.

I envisioned a place where young people can discover their God-given potentials by utilizing the arts and technology as a means to provide alternative programs for the development of young people.

Later on that year, I had the privilege of sharing the vision with the late Mr. Mamalu Lagafuaina and Mrs. Poulima Lagafuaina. As a result, they offered one of their newly renovated homes to accommodate the growing number of children who wanted to learn basic computer skills. As concerned citizens, we realized that incorporating the spiritual disciplines in a holistic approach was a crucial element needed to help young people to grow and develop as individuals.

Intercessory prayer became a daily part of ASAP when the young people became frustrated of having to take turns on two computers. These children, aged 7 – 15, started to put feet to their faith and trusted that God would provide a computer lab so that more children can have access to computer literacy classes. In just a few months, the Community Services Block Grant awarded a grant to fund a brand new computer lab. ASAP serviced 230 children that same year.

In 2003, a large number of suicides among young people devastated our community. Again, the youth prayed and asked God for a method that they could use to challenge the critical thinking among their peers. Crossroads Theatre for Youth (CTY) was born and the youth began to feed our community with live theatre that awakened hope and developed critical thinking.

In 2004, Intersections, Inc. was awarded a 3-year funding from the U.S. Administration for Native Americans to develop and produce programs that offer an important artistic, educational, and social opportunity for young people. Daniel Kelin, director of drama education for Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) assisted us greatly in the development of our theatre programs. The funding made it possible to develop and expand CTY to service young people island wide.

The agency’s newest project is the development of Nuanua Media Communications (Nuanua) as a media project to influence youth development in regards to job and leadership skills, cultural protocols, as well as character development. With an intergenerational component, the youth will be able to work with elders in an effort to promote and sustain cultural values.

Each play was formed through discussions among the youth. Each production has been strengthened through prayers. And so it has been for every new project that comes out of Intersections, Inc……born out of the prayers of the youth!

Our greatest joy has been seeing our Intersections graduates come full circle to dedicate themselves to helping others discover and move towards their God-given destinies. A sincere “Thank You” and “Faafetai” to all who have helped us in this vitally important mission.

Sincerely,

Moelilia Seui
Executive Director