Rotary clubs of Rotorua bring values programme into schools

Rotary clubs of Rotorua have united to help bring a new programme into local primary and intermediate schools that teach children values such as integrity and respect.

The Kiwi Can involve long-term mentoring to bring these values and life skills to pupils. It is delivered in 11 other regions throughout the country.

Rotorua co-ordinator, Robyn Skelton of the Rotary North Club was encouraged to introduce the programme locally after seeing it operate in schools in Tauranga. The former Western Heights High School teacher, now Head of Registry at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology said Kiwi Can effectively helped children to “self-advocate” in terms of behaviour expectations.

“I was motivated to do this having discovered that Rotorua had 14 Decile 1-3 primary and intermediate schools, out of the 21 school,” Ms Skelton said.

She was thrilled with the great support from the Rotary clubs to date.

“So far we have raised $52,000 of the $85,000 needed and it’s looking really positive”, says Ms Skelton. So far, six schools are interested to be involved in the programme and she hopes it’ll be delivered in 2017.

Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake general manager, Roana Bennet was delighted to see the initiative.

“I am very pleased to see that Kiwi Can may come to Rotorua. It is an evidenced based programme that has been proven effective in a range of different settings. There are a number of people committed to raising education and life outcomes for Rotorua youth and particularly for Maori youth. The Kiwi Can programme will be a great asset for our community.”

Kiwi Can is run by the Graeme Dingle Foundation. Graeme Dingle (MBE), mountaineer and adventurer, was one of the founders of modern outdoor education in New Zealand.

As well as funding from the Rotary Clubs, the programme has also had $12,500 committed from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, and is intended to be a recipient of the Rotorua Charity Luncheon being held on November 11.