ESAI continues to support education programmes

ESAI continues to support and have strong ties with schools in the local area.

The Tinaku Project will contribute to another Kids Discovery Plant Out Day in conjunction with Te Ara Kakariki which will see students from Leeston Consolidated School visit Lakeside Reserve on September 13 for a fun field trip. The students will have the opportunity to plant native species which have been supplied by the Department of Conservation as well as learning about the biodiversity of the area.

ESAI has also been involved with Ellesmere College and the Secondary School Employer Partnerships (SSEP) initiative which is new to Canterbury. It aims to build relationships between secondary schools and local employers specifically primary industries employers. Year 9 & 10 Students are exposed to a wide range of career opportunities inside and outside of the classroom to highlight and encourage students to pursue careers in the rural sector and primary industries.

Tim Chamberlian and Jo Benny from ESAI have been working closely with D’Arcie Ley from Ellesmere School to coordinate a series of classroom lessons and field trips to inspire and engage the students.

D’Arcie, a science teacher at the College, has also requested to be involved in a planting project to celebrate the school’s Environment Day.

Between 30-50 students are expected to attend the event which will be hosted by Gary Boyd from the Department of Conservation on September 20 at Lakeside Reserve. DOC again will be providing the plants and the Tinaku Project will fund transport and equipment hire.