Two hundred and twenty Dunstan High School (DHS) pupils are lending a hand to a wide range of community organisations in Central today.

Deputy principal Todd Adams said the initiative had grown after the success of last year’s whānau ora time electives on developing citizenship within the community.

“There were four one hour lessons on a Friday in the community, as a way for students to give back.”

Todd said the aim was to build on last year and learn the value of volunteering, learn about the organisations in the community that volunteer and also strengthen links between DHS and community organisations.

The high school has teamed up with Volunteer South to promote the chance to have pupils for an afternoon to local groups.

Twenty local organisations are taking up the opportunity to have students including Central Otago REAP, Central Otago Library, Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful, Kopuwai Early Learning Centre, Living Options, Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust, Clyde and District Lions, Ranui

and Castlewood rest homes, The Good Life Group, Central Otago Education Centre, and Central Otago Friendship Group

Year 9 and 10 pupils could choose where to go, and staff and pupils were looking forward to the placements. 

“World Volunteer Day is coming up, it’s next Friday, we’re a bit early… but we plan to do [today], evaluate it and then build on it in the future,” Todd said.

Pupils could make connections with the Student Volunteer Army to further their volunteering experience, Todd said.

The Central App will bring you a wrap of some of the DHS volunteering activities next week.

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