A team from Student Success have introduced a new initiative that will support students that are struggling to make ends meet, by providing them with access to food and other necessities.
‘Kohinga Aroha’ has set up in Te Puna (on level 2 by the green wall) and is reliant on the generosity of our Unitec community to make this programme successful. Their current focus is on donations of non-perishable items and any excess fruit and vegetables that you may have at home or be growing in your garden.
The team behind this enterprising concept are Monique Aronsohn – Student Support & Scholarships Manager, Andrea Stills – Student Support Leader Financial and Youth Guarantee, and Jo-Anne Hammond – Student Support Advisor. In time they plan on extending the resources available to children’s toys and books, and are working with Maja Zidov our Sustainability Manager, to put in a rack for donated clothing as well.
So please check-out your pantry and vegie garden each week to see if you have anything you can donate. If everyone was able to help out on a regular basis this will make a huge difference and your generosity will be truly appreciated by our students in need.
High demand items needed include –
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Tuna
- Corned beef
- Breakfast cereals
- Rice
- Pasta
- Noodles (cup noodles for lunch are also popular)
- UHT milk
- Muesli bars (for our students with children)
- Tampons and sanitary pads
Donations can be dropped off at Te Puna in the room behind the green wall, on level 2. You can also drop items into the ‘Student hardship drive’ green tubs at Student Central Waitakere, and Long Black at B001 and Te Puna/B180. If you have any questions contact Monique Aronsohn.
The name for this programme, Kohinga Aroha, came from our Pae Arahi Hare Paniora; Kohinga – collection of, gathering place and Aroha – refers to whatever is given be it food, clothes, books etc