Real learning for real life

Helping young people learn about and take responsibility for their environment is essential for a sustainable region. Greater Wellington has a programme to make sure that happens...

Take Action for Water is a free, fun and hands-on programme to help young people learn about, and take responsibility for, their environment - with help from teachers and the community.

Greater Wellington recently held teacher training days to give teachers the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver the Take Action for Water and Air programmes to students. The training includes giving teachers hands-on experience with the stream testing equipment used to measure water quality and stream health.

South Featherston School Principal Tracey Smith says the school has been keen for some time to get involved with Take Action and further down the track she sees great opportunities for the local community to take part in whatever projects the school chooses to undertake.

Teacher Susan Allan says the programme will give students an opportunity for real-life learning experiences and to take actions "that can have some positive impacts on the community".

Another teacher at the school, Dave Meehan, says the training is invaluable. "It means we are totally prepared for the unit by the time we have to run it. We don't have to research everything ourselves. People say that you can do anything as a teacher but it's always good to have the practical experience to share with the students."