Providing mountain biking coaching, restoring miners’ huts, baking for Food for Love, and planting native waterways are just some of the volunteering activities Mount Aspiring College (MAC) students have already done this year as part of the Students in the Community (SITC) programme.

Established more than 25 years ago, all Year 13 students at MAC take part in the SITC programme, which has them volunteer their time in a range of ways in the community.

More than 250 hours have been contributed by the students this year so far, SITC coordinator Mylrea Bell said.

“This is a win-win situation for all,” she said. “Organisations, groups and worthy individuals gain from getting things done and making contact with reliable young people, and the students gain positive feedback, increased confidence [and] a sense of self worth.”

Students including Kahu Allen and Matai Wells have spent time restoring huts in the Cardrona Valley. 

Students can choose their level of participation - 50+ hours will earn a student a distinction certificate while 30+ hours will gain a merit certificate - and Mylrea said most students have indicated they are aiming for distinction.

Students have already participated in a huge range of voluntary roles, from Wānaka Samurai Karate senpai and sensei coaching to cutting down wild exotics and weeding around natives for Te Kakano nursery.

They’ve also made school lunches, provided after school childcare, coached a range of sports, assisted at the local yacht club regatta, and helped out with local cultural events.

Claire Edwards is coaching a soccer team, one of the many students who is contributing through coaching or teaching skills to others.

The SITC programme was instigated by former MAC principal Mike Allison upon his return from a Woolf Fisher Scholarship tour of the USA, Canada and Britain. He wanted to integrate a programme that demanded not just academic, sporting and cultural excellence, but a more holistic sense of altruism. 

Mylrea said the programme continued to have many benefits, including enhancing the students’ skills which can be beneficial for future employment, as well as engaging with the community.

“It’s a superb programme for building bridges between all of the different facets of our community,” Mylrea said.

Mylrea said if any individuals or organisations want to be part of the initiative, they can contact the SITC team at [email protected]; 03 443 0499, Ext 290; or 027 443 9942.

This week is Student Volunteer Week, making it a good time to celebrate the students’ work.

See also: ‘Organisation supports young volunteers’.

PHOTOS: MAC