WAI Wānaka is currently fundraising to support its education programme through a crowdfunding campaign and donations raised before Sunday (May 15) will be matched by a local business.

Wools Of Wānaka will match every donation made before the end of the weekend up to a value of $5,000.

“The goal is to raise at least $20,000 to develop three environmental modules for schools,” WAI Wānaka project support Kelly Humphries said. “Every extra $5,000 will enable a further module to be created.” 

WAI Wānaka’s mission is to accelerate local action for fresh water in the Upper Clutha and part of its works programme has included educating students from preschool aged through to to high school students on the local environment.

Kelly said previous education programmes have led to an increase in enquiries but WAI Wānaka does not have the financial resources to “fully respond to the requests coming in from schools and students”. 

Donations made through the campaign will help support new modules, which would include themes like the climate, stormwater, biodiversity and protection of eels.

The modules will be aligned with the curriculum, making it straightforward for teachers to integrate, Kelly said. 

“It will enhance the connections between schools and their community and is an opportunity for students to engage with global issues in a local, ‘real world’ context within the urban space.”

Previous education programmes have been well received by local teachers.

Mount Aspiring College teacher Bevan Ratcliffe said an education programme he shared with this class helped them to learn about natural resources, sustainability and guardianship.

“This programme has been an exciting and engaging opportunity for our students to learn about our local environment from experts outside of our school,” he said.

People who donated before Sunday will have their contribution matched. 

The crowdfunding campaign will continue to run through to June 2. 

Find more information about the education programme or donate here.

PHOTO: Supplied