Students show community spirit

Three Masterton schools are blazing trails with Junior Neighbourhood Support Wairarapa.

Co-ordinator Sarah Taylor-Waitere says Lakeview, Masterton Primary and Fernridge schools have so far signed on with the JNS Wairarapa network, which aims to recognise, celebrate and reward the community spirit and social vigilance of Year 1-8 students.

Two other schools in the town are discussing involvement since the programme was launched in the region late last year.

"The whole point is promoting young people who take pride in their community - at school, outside of school and at home," Mrs Taylor-Waitere said.

"It could be that we hear of somebody who has found and returned a lost wallet or pet, or that they had befriended somebody who was being bullied in the playground. We give those people certificates and prizes just to say thank you.

"They're not looking out for burglars but we hope the kids' involvement will filter up to their parents, who could in turn become involved with the adult Neighbourhood Support themselves."

Mrs Taylor-Waitere said JNS worked on a process of nominations, which may be made by school staff, community members such as local businesspeople "or anybody who genuinely feels that a young person they know has accomplished something that deserves a thank you for their efforts".

JNS ambassadors, "who are my eyes and ears when I can't be there", helped run the programme at their schools and in the wider community, she said. Nomination boxes were located at Masterton Genesis Recreation Centre, Masterton Town Library, Wairarapa Community Centre and at each participating school.

The ambassadors were vital, she said, as had been the celebration in March of Neighbours Day by participating schools and an awareness challenge run at MPS as part of the programme.

Wairarapa was the 19th region to establish the network, Mrs Taylor Waitere said.

JNS was a Wairarapa-wide initiative that "will continue to establish working relationships with the 33 eligible schools" in the region.

JNS has a penguin mascot and a colouring-in contest is in full swing to name the penguin. The first prize in the contest is a 32 GB iPod Touch and the winner will be announced on July 12.

For more information about the Junior Neighbourhood Support programme, please call Sarah Taylor-Waitere at the offices of Masterton Safe and Healthy Community Council on 378 8900, or go online to www.mshcc.org.nz.