How does Kiwi Can work?
Kiwi Can is a school-wide programme with a focus on making a change for every student within the school, there is no selection process.
Every child attends a Kiwi Can lesson once a week, just like any other subject, in their very own Kiwi Can classroom or designated place. The permanency of Kiwi Can is its strength. We understand that changing negative attitudes and behaviour doesn’t happen overnight, so we work with schools over a number of years to help improve the overall atmosphere and culture.
Kiwi Can has three core components used to teach key messages:
- Classroom based activities
- Outdoor education
- Community Projects
How is the programme delivered?
Trained Kiwi Can Leaders deliver the programme in schools through high-energy, fun, interactive lessons. Each lesson is based on a theme which is decided by the school, to ensure the programme fits in with the schools needs.
Some of the themes covered can include:
- Relationships (friendship, respect, communication, dealing with conflict)
- Health (caring for ourselves, healthy eating, healthy action)
- Integrity (trust, fair-play, responsibility, accountability)
- Resilience (goal-setting, perseverance, role models, self-esteem)
- Environment (respect for the school, community and wider environments)
The lessons emphasis is on fun, if the children are having fun then they are more likely to engage with the topic and retain what they have learned. Our Kiwi Can Leaders often become accessible, positive role models to the students.
What are the benefits?
Students, schools, parents and the community receive numerous benefits from being involved in Kiwi Can and the effects are really clear.
Teachers tell us that students have learnt to take more responsibility for themselves, are better behaved and their attitudes have improved. They don’t have to intervene as frequently in playground conflicts, because students now have the skills to deal with the situation themselves.
Other teachers report a greater level of social cohesion within the school. Children are looking out for each other more and taking a greater sense of pride in their school and community.