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| The smiling faces say it all – students have gained confidence through the ‘Oral Language Programme’ initiative put in place by Rotary Rotorua Sunrise. |
Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise, NZ and Waiariki Institute of Technology, in collaboration with the business community are aiming to build five houses over five years to raise funds for charitable purposes locally via the Charity House project. The first year has initially proven every bit as successful as the community partners involved hoped for. Already five community groups are set to benefit from last year’s profits.
The first house, a four-bedroom 147 sqm linea weatherboard dwelling built by Waiariki carpentry and interior design students, was auctioned off last December, raising $14,716. The recipients of these proceeds were announced in May: Menz Shed; Linton Park Community Centre; Rotorua Youth Centre; Big Brother, Big Sister Rotorua; and the Western Heights Primary School ‘Oral Language Programme’. The latter programme is a new Rotary Rotorua Sunrise education and literacy initiative.
Then President Sue Gunn explains that Waiariki decided to take the lead role in the community partnership as the project would offer carpentry and interior design students a true hands-on learning experience. Waiariki chose to partner with Rotary Rotorua Sunrise to utilise the club’s existing charitable networks, administer the proceeds of the house auctions and select worthy recipients that meet funding criteria.
“It’s a great way to engage with students. Not only is it a hands-on experience that they respond well to, they have been exposed to prospective trade employers. All students on the project got employment at the end of their year-long course”, empahsises Sue.
Throughout the project, Rotorua Sunrise members have been able to build a closer and stronger relationship with students and the community while discussing many Rotary youth leadership opportunities available to them and providing mentoring support. Plus many Rotarians are partners in the project providing building products and services.
Sue also says, “It has been a real joint venture with Waiariki, local businesses and the community. It creates strong linkages and stronger foundations for Rotary. Best of all is the difference we can make to the recipients in our community.”
The 2014 Charity House build is on schedule and they are looking forward to another successful auction with proceeds being available to the local Rotorua community that has engaged Rotary and changed lives!
By - Sue Gunn
