Students and parents at Tapora School listened with rapt attention to volcanic eruption survivor William Pike during an event to launch the William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) at the school last month.
The challenge will see Tapora’s Year 7 and 8 students undertake a variety of outdoor and community service activities to develop skills in leadership, independent thinking and teamwork.
At the barbecue launch event held on March 21, William described his own experiences during an eruption on Mt Ruapehu.
William was trapped, crushed and became severely hypothermic. In addition to other life-threatening injuries, his right leg had to be amputated below the knee.
Despite his experiences, William remains a passionate outdoorsman and he encouraged students to be similarly ready to step outside their comfort zones.
To illustrate his point, he persuaded one student to take up the challenge of polishing his prosthetic leg.
“I believe our young people need to be equipped with the soft skills and life experiences to prepare them for whatever life throws at them,” William said.
Tapora students have already completed their first challenge, which involved white water rafting at Wero Whitewater Park. Other adventures will include a high ropes course, bush tramping and overnight camping.
Community service activities will likely include tree planting at Atiu Creek, volunteering at the local library and volunteering at an animal shelter.
Other projects that will be considered include learning to cook, sew and motocross riding.
WPCA provides schools with support, resources and inspiration to facilitate the year-long programme and children receive a certificate upon completion.
Tapora principal Keryl Lee said the school is looking forward to running the WPCA programme this year.
She said the programme will offer students an exciting pathway to education outside the classroom and to physical education.
“The establishment of positive connections across home, school, peer and community life is one of many outcomes we look forward to,” she said.
More than 3000 students from 95 schools are participating in the WPCA this year.
