Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 7, 2024
In an endeavour to foster a deeper connection between Hamilton’s youth and the natural world, Hamilton City Council has teamed up with Ebbett Toyota to introduce the innovative “Kids in Nature” programme.
This hands-on educational initiative aims to immerse students from Hamilton schools and kura in the city’s gullies and natural areas, providing them with valuable learning experiences while actively contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Meaningful activities
The programme’s core modules are meticulously designed to engage children in meaningful activities that promote environmental stewardship.
Led by Aimee Nooyen, Community Restoration Advisor, the programme entails native planting sessions where students learn to nurture and care for growing plants. Additionally, participants partake in ‘releasing’ events, empowering them to remove invasive weeds and contribute to the restoration of native vegetation.
Ms Nooyen expressed her excitement for the upcoming planting season and said, “The feedback has been great so far. the children love getting out of the classroom and getting to know our beautiful natural areas. As planting season begins, they will be making a real difference.”
Furthermore, the programme offers optional modules that delve into various topics such as predator identification and control, stream health, insect education, and gully clean-ups, allowing classes to tailor their learning experiences according to their interests and curricular requirements.
Commitment to sustainability
Ebbett Toyota, serving as the programme’s sponsor, underscores its commitment to community welfare and environmental sustainability. Tony Coutinho, CEO of Ebbett Toyota, emphasises the company’s dedication to supporting local initiatives, stating, “We are incredibly proud to be supporting the Kids in Nature programme with Council, encouraging children and schools to nurture our environment, delve into conservation, and actively contribute to native plantings.”
Working on the future
Participating schools, such as Marian Catholic School, have embraced the programme with enthusiasm. Ryan Jordan, a teacher at Marian Catholic School, highlights the programme’s role in enhancing classroom learning, stating, “The students have been very enthusiastic along the way and always excited whenever they know they have a module coming up. When children consciously interact with nature, they develop a passion and care that gives us hope for our planet’s future.”
Currently in its inaugural year, the ‘Kids in Nature’ programme holds promising prospects for expansion.
Hamilton City Council aims to extend the programme to include more schools and additional modules in the coming years, fostering a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens committed to preserving Hamilton’s natural heritage.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
