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Students across the Hibiscus Coast are encouraging others to give their time volunteering in the community.
Brook McGhie is a Year 13 student at Ōrewa College, and the leading force behind the school’s Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) initiative.
The charity aims at educating young people about the consequences of dangerous choices on the road.
She has been in the club for three years, initially joining to learn but after seeing the dire statistics, she wanted to do her part to help spread awareness.
Brooke encourages everyone, particularly her fellow students, to take part in volunteer opportunities.
“Anyone should get involved, get stuck in, make a change for the world. We are the youth and voices to pave our way for a better future,” she says.
So far, the initiative has introduced road patrols outside the school, talks with the younger students and information guides on how people can be safer on the road. They hope to increase their membership to improve diversity.
The Gateway Programme, another volunteer-oriented school initiative, which prepares Year 12 and 13 students for the workforce through volunteer opportunities and experiences.
The programme teaches necessary skills for prospective career pathways.
Whangaparāoa College Year 13 students Bense Nagy and Lauren Staniford are part of the programme, along with homeschooled Te Kura Year 12 student Liam Price. All three have been volunteering at the Salvation Army store on the Hibiscus Coast.
Along with navigating their way around customers and storefront responsibilities, it’s a hands-on way to give the students work experience while also helping the community, Salvation Army team leader Tony Bentley says.
“It helps you figure out what you want to do. It’s real work as opposed to theory,” Bense says.
