Kids making their world better

Primary school volunteers are in action all over New Zealand at the moment getting practical experience and making their world a better place through the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) Schools Programme in partnership with Citycare Property.

Pupils in multiple classrooms in 440 primary schools all over New Zealand have now received their project packs for 2020.

The teaching resources provided to registered schools include a range of tools to help teachers guide their students through identifying a local project, building a team, developing a plan and carrying out their project.

This year’s programme is designed to allow students to do their chosen project from home or in their classroom, enabling them to take part safely, whatever the alert level.

Now the classes are in the planning stages, working out what they will do to improve the environment in their neighbourhood.

Sam Johnson, Chief Executive of Student Volunteer Army explains, “The endeavours can be anything from planting trees, to getting a community garden going, to doing a clean-up at the local wetland.

“It doesn’t really matter what the project is – it’s all about the sense of fulfilment and the skills that students gain from organising their own initiatives. It’s a life learning opportunity,” he says.

Over 30,000 kids are getting involved in the Schools Programme in 2020, which is linked to the primary school curriculum.

“Helping to grow kids who care is an ideal sponsorship for Citycare Property,” says Chief Executive Onno Mulder.

“We’re committed to building better communities so supporting how the Schools Programme encourages understanding of community and volunteering at the same time as inspiring young people to make a difference through their efforts is a great fit for us,” he says.

“It’s fantastic to see young people planning and fulfilling projects that will impact directly on their lives and that of their community and whanau.”

Schools all over New Zealand signed up for the programme in 2020 so there’ll be kids near you participating.

Just to name a few schools involved, on the Kapiti Coast there’s Kapanui School in Waikanae, Paraparaumu Beach, Paraparaumu and Raumati South Schools, while a little further north there’s Otaki School and Levin East, Levin North and Levin Intermediate Schools.

In the Wairarapa region there’s Masterton Primary and Intermediate Schools, Wainuioru School and Fernridge School, then Greytown School further south.

Pongaroa School in the Tararua District and Fordell School in rural Manawatu are participating, as well as Fordell’s neighbours to the east at Durie Hill, Kaitoke, Mosston and Whanganui Intermediate Schools in Whanganui.

In Palmerston North, there’s Somerset Crescent School, Whakarongo School, and Ross and Monrad Intermediates all planning their environmental tasks.

Silverstream School in Upper Hutt and St Brendan’s School in Heretaunga are taking part, while Papakowhai School, Cannons Creek and Titahi Bay School in Porirua all have projects in mind.

In Lower Hutt, we can shout out to Tawhai School, Naenae and Hutt Intermediate Schools, and Maungaraki, Avalon and Boulcott Schools who are all involved.

We’re sure everyone will have a lot of fun and get a sense of satisfaction from helping out in their community.