A recent feature for School Start First Impressions (SSFI) on Seven Sharp shows how our funding has been used to positively impact the community. SSFI is an amazing charity that creates school bag packages and provides uniforms for children in need. These school starter packs include a school bag, lunchbox, drink bottle, stationary and uniform. The way they work is through referral agencies which can be GP or social workers who can apply for a package and pass it on to the child. This allows for the child to have a newfound sense of confidence when starting kura, knowing they have all they need. That’s the main message for SSFI where they state that “Turning 5, and starting school should be a special experience for every child, and we believe that starting our children off in the right way allows them to experience a sense of wellbeing…”. On Seven Sharp they talk about how SSFI provided 5 year olds in need with Birthday cakes and school starter packs. They also highlighted the fact that over 5 thousand kiwi kids have been able to receive starter packs through the hard work and generosity of this amazing charity. You can watch the full feature by following this link to TVNZ; https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/seven-sharp/clips/birthday-cakes-and-school-bags-for-5-year-olds-in-need
We are so pleased to see charities we have funded in the spotlight, helping to raise awareness and support to those in need. When SSFI applied for funding through us they stated that the purpose of their funding was to support the contents of their school starter packs and the cost of purchasing uniforms for tamariki in families who are unable to afford such things. The outcome they wished to receive was to have the additional amount of tamariki they will be able to support in vulnerable communities. They also hoped to ensure they are able to provide for these children and confirm they are enrolled in school.
Upon receiving a grant of $5000, SSFI was able to over the last year provide and support over 100 tamariki in the Huntly region with school supplies. By removing cost barriers surrounding starting school, and providing the adequate support, SSFI was able to make a real difference in assisting children in the Huntly area who were not enrolled in school to become enrolled. These children were able to start school feeling confident that they are on the same level as their peers, having all they need to dive into their learning journey.
