School on a Saturday? Most kids would shy away, but for these men, women and young teens – it’s their one step closer to becoming an APEC volunteer.
"If that guest feels you are listening to the and they are understood they will trust you," said Laura Witter, APEC Volunteer Trainer.
From November 7 through November 13, Hawaii will have a lot of people to please when we host 21 world leaders, their personal assistants and entourage, and 2,000 plus members of the global media.
"Because they’re going to ask a lot of questions, because no matter where we’re from they’re going to look at all of us as Kama’aina," said Kainoa Daines, APEC Volunteer Trainer.
So APEC volunteers are being trained in Hawaiian history, language and key phrases.
The volunteers will be spread out at various locations helping the elite group of APEC guests through all sorts of scenarios.
"I’m volunteering at the airport. I’m guessing people will be stressed out when they get to the airport," said Mark James, APEC Volunteer.
That’s why volunteers are also being schooled on the basics of Hawaiian hospitality.
"Mahalo always goes a long way. Aloha, Mahalo, eye contact, smile that all goes a really long way and what will set us apart from everyone else," said Cybil Rawlins, APEC Volunteer Trainer.
And to set volunteers apart, they will wear Aloha attire deigned by Tori Richard. They were fitted for their shirts today, but the actual design is being kept under wraps for now.
"They seemed excited. I’m stoked, I can’t wait for this to happen in November," said Daines.
"They’re bringing their culture, their history, their futures to APEC as they’re discussing the futures of these countries. So to meet people who are coming with that, and be a participant in that, is very exciting," said Andrea Caldwell, APEC Volunteer.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
