Young leaders stand tall

CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN: The 2019 cohort of Aurora Leaders is passionate about giving back to their community and was happy to present Barnardos Gisborne with $4900 to help children less fortunate. The Aurora group is made up of more than 30 leaders from 18 schools across the Gisborne city and rural district. The leaders were shocked to find out how many children Barnardos was supporting in the community and wanted to do something to help. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

Children in the care of Barnardos Gisborne will get special birthday and Christmas presents this year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of a group of Aurora Leaders.

The young group raised $4900 from movie days, sausage sizzles, Matariki discos and sports days.

Aurora leader Tom Pinto from Sonrise Christian School, said it was not good enough that there were so many vulnerable kids missing out on the basics.

“We wanted to change that and make a difference in our community,” he said.

Barnardos Gisborne service manager Dianne Saunders said they were overwhelmed by the generosity and strong leadership of Aurora Leaders.

“We are all blown away by their amazing effort,” she said.

Funds will go towards buying special resources to help families in the community around birthdays and Christmas.

“Our future looks like it’s in very good hands with these children.”

Specialist lead teacher Rebecca Trafford said there was nothing better than watching a group of young people, who started as relative strangers, come together and work hard to make a difference in the lives of others.

“It has been particularly powerful watching children so determined to give back and make a difference for other children less fortunate than themselves.

“Hearing them talk about what an awesome opportunity it was and just how proud of themselves they felt was very humbling.”

Aurora executive director Sunny Bush said this year’s group were “compassionate and hard-working leaders, who were developing a strong social conscience to shine a light in places where help is most needed”.

“Our Empathy in Action programme is all about kids helping kids.”

The Aurora Leaders’ favourite inspirational affirmation for this year is “when you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine”.

The group is made up of children identified as the best and most promising leaders in their own schools before being nominated for the programme.

The Aurora leadership model was about accelerating young leaders’ performance and growing stronger self-belief, Mrs Bush said.