Keeping Children Motivated To Stay In School

11 February 2009

Keeping Children Motivated To Stay In School

Approximately 50,000 5-year-olds are starting school this year, taking their first big step into education. At the same time, alarmingly thousands of teenagers will also leave school this year with little or no formal qualifications.

So often the approach to school drop outs is a reactive one, trying to think of ways to make young adults to stay in school, often after their interest and motivation for school is depleted.

Foundation for Youth Development’s life skills and values based programme for primary and intermediate school children, Kiwi Can, adopts a different method; teaching kids through interactive and high energy lessons from day one, that learning is a fun experience.

“It is so vital to engage children in the school environment from a young age and continue to keep them interested and motivated to come to school each day,” says Marie-Jo Wilson, Kiwi Can National Programme Manager.

Kiwi Can is a whole school programme, with all children attending a Kiwi Can lesson once a week, every week of the school year. Lessons are delivered by Kiwi Can Leaders and are based on themes decided by the school, such as relationships, bullying, integrity, resilience, responsibility and the community.

Part of Kiwi Can’s success Wilson explains, is also giving children constant praise and encouragement.

“Without confidence, children often lose their drive to succeed and some will get lost in the education system. In Kiwi Can we constantly encourage and remind kids that they have the ability to achieve great things.”

As a result many teachers and principals have noted a significant change in students’ attitudes and behaviour since Kiwi Can started in their schools.

“Students are more willing to join in and fewer are opting out.” says Wilson. “Several school principals and teachers note that take up in new activities such as kappa haka and sports has increased as a result of Kiwi Can giving children a greater sense of confidence to try new things.”

Currently Kiwi Can is delivered in nearly 70 schools to over 15,000 students each week.

The Foundation’s two other programmes are Stars and Project K. Stars helps Year 9 students move successfully into secondary school and Project K is focused on Year 10 students who are struggling to reach their potential.

ENDS

About Foundation for Youth Development:
Foundation for Youth Development, a not-for-profit organisation founded by Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson, is a leader in the field of youth development in New Zealand with over 17,000 young people in its programmes. Foundation for Youth Development provides young people from age 5 to 18 with the opportunity to build self-confidence, and learn valuable life skills by participating in unique development programmes. Current programmes include Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K. Foundation for Youth Development has a strategy of sequencing programmes to ensure young people get maximum support from the time they start school, aged 5, right through to being seniors in secondary school. www.fyd.org.nz

About Kiwi Can:
Kiwi Can is a values & life-skills programme for 5-12 year olds. It is delivered in nearly 70 primary & intermediate schools across New Zealand, involving over 15,000 children. Kiwi Can engages with children to develop a ‘can do’ attitude and positive self-believe in their own capabilities. Kiwi Can utilises the skills of vibrant, enthusiastic Leaders to deliver lessons which allow children to develop their physical, creative and mental abilities.
www.kiwican.org.nz

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