NEW WEBSITE FOCUS FOR KIWI CAN PROGRAMME
Kiwi Can, the programme aimed at building confidence and an “I can” attitude in young New Zealanders, has a new focus
with the launch of its website www.kiwican.telecom.co.nz
The Kiwi Can programme runs in primary and intermediate schools, providing physical, mental and creative challenges to
children through school and community activities.
Olympic Gold Medallist Rob Waddell is a strong supporter of Kiwi Can.
“It’s so important to have a positive attitude and believe in yourself and that’s at the heart of the Kiwi Can programme
– developing young people’s self confidence, their pride in themselves, their schools and communities,” Rob says.
“The Kiwi Can programme challenges children in lots of different ways to become achievers. It’s a programme that can
benefit all children, no matter what their backgrounds or circumstances, because it develops an ‘I can’ approach to life
that serves everyone well.”
The Kiwi Can website is designed to be the main information and communications tool for the nationwide organisation. It
will keep teachers, pupils and parents up to date with Kiwi Can activities around the country, enable Kiwi Can leaders
to access classroom activities and add their own successful projects, provide general information and evaluation about
the programme and assist the formation of new groups.
Kiwi Can is currently operating in 26 schools, with around 7,000 children involved around the country. Schools make a
commitment to participate in Kiwi Can programmes for at least a year, the permanency of the programme being one of its
great strengths. Kiwi Can has its own classroom in each participating school, with two fully trained Kiwi Can leaders
team-teaching the programme to children.
Developed several years ago out of concern for growing youth suicide rates, the Kiwi Can programme is run by regional
Kiwi Can Trusts. Telecom CEO Theresa Gattung chairs the Wellington Kiwi Can Charitable Trust.
“The website will be the focus for Kiwi Can’s activities around the country, providing teachers with easy access to
programmes and activities and
feedback from teachers and children who have been involved,” Theresa Gattung says.
“Kiwi Can programmes are really great because all children can benefit from them. Children who are confident and have
the Kiwi Can ‘I can’ attitude will have a good chance of succeeding at whatever they chose to do in their lives.”
For more information:
Viv Auty, Wellington Kiwi Can Charitable Trust 025-6856028 Suzanne Pollard, Telecom New Zealand Ltd
025-2449335