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Sending children’s dreams and wishes into space

Media Release

Embargoed until 11 August 2009

Attention: Education / Political / General News Reporters

Life Education sends children’s dreams and wishes to space

Prime Minister John Key will today urge all New Zealand children to think ‘big’ at a Parliamentary launch of the Life Education Trust’s ‘Wish Upon a Star’ national art competition which will bring outer space live into one New Zealand classroom later this year.

The competition will run alongside Harold the Giraffe’s (the Trust’s mascot) trip to space, making him the first New Zealander, and giraffe, to go to space.

Harold will embark on a two-day journey to an international space station 200 miles above Earth where he will stay with a team of astronauts for several months.

Harold’s trip to space signals the fulfillment of a life-long dream. The trip and competition are being used to engage teachers and children in the educational resources created to educate New Zealand children about the importance of following their dreams.

The ‘Wish Upon a Star’ competition invites all five to thirteen-year-old school children in New Zealand to enter by writing down their wishes for the future and drawing a picture of their wish coming true.

One child will win a live video-link for their class with Harold and his astronaut friend while in space. Twenty-four regional winners will have their dreams sent to space and acknowledged on a video link and further prizes, including money for school supplies, are up for grabs.

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While Harold is in space, children can email the space station and ask questions via an educational website (www.haroldinspace.co.nz).

Life Education Trust Chairman, Angus Fletcher, is confident the exercise will go a long way to encourage children to be the best they can be.

“Harold’s trip is a huge deal for the children who know him. They love him and respect the values he brings into the classroom. The fact that he has achieved his dream will reiterate to children that no matter who they are, or where they come from, they are special and if they work hard to make their dreams come true then they will,” says Fletcher.

ANZ National CEO Jenny Fagg will also announce today that The National Bank – which is part of ANZ National – will continue its partnership with the Trust, becoming major sponsor of the Trust and its work in schools.

“The National Bank is pleased to sponsor this competition and the ongoing work of the Life Education Trust because we understand that our children are the future of New Zealand. It’s important that we nurture children, encourage them to trust in themselves, to set their sights high and aim for the stars.

“Supporting the education of children in New Zealand and encouraging them to aspire to live their dreams is something The National Bank is very passionate about,” Jenny Fagg said.

Children can enter the competition through any branch of The National Bank or through their school. Entries close on 25 September and winners will be announced in October.

ENDS

About Life Education:
Life Education is a health based non-profit organisation that visits over 200,000 primary and intermediate school children each year. It goes into schools by invitation, not right and is linked into the school curriculum.

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