Money available for education projects

Schools, education providers and community groups are being offered to apply for a share of $300,000 fund being made available by the Eastern and Central Community Trust.

Applicants must be in the Community Trust area which covers Poverty Bay, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa, Manawatu and Horowhenua.

The education funding is for initiatives that are likely to bring significant benefits to the communities in which they operate and may involve clusters of schools or organisations that cooperate on a single project.

It is the second year the Community Trust has provided the educational initiative funding. A similar level of money was made available last year as part of a trial programme.

“The needs of each school and community throughout our area are different and no standard funding initiative with specific criteria will suit each case. This scheme offers flexibility for applicant groups to be more imaginative in delivering important education programmes,” said Community Trust Chairman, John Culling.

“It provides an opportunity for groups or schools to work together on a project to maximise the benefits that may be achieved from a successful funding application,” he said.

Applications are open until the end of May for funding for the 2006 school year. Application forms are available on the Eastern and Central Community Trust website www.ecct.org.nz. Projects must be detailed, showing anticipated achievements, benefits and costs. The applications must also show the prime beneficiaries and outline community support for the proposed project.

“We are encouraging educational projects that are innovative and have the potential to make a difference to local communities, adding to their educational resources,” said Mr Culling.

Projects that received funding for the current year include: Horowhenua Principals’ Association (maori student mentoring), Campion College (forestry training), Hawke’s Bay One Day School (assistance for gifted children), Manawatu Principals’ Association (to establish a school for gifted children), Hawke’s Bay Anglican Youth Ministry (youth programme), Pull Pots Pottery Programme (learning initiative using clay), Kuranui College (ICT remote learning), Wairoa Principals’ Association (ICT support) and Porangahau School (ICT development).

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