This week the Trades Need a feed? student initiative was launched at Mataaho, providing them with a free breakfast and also lunch, if needed.
The programme was launched in response to two different incidents involving students passing out due to not having eaten adequately. There’s also been other examples of Trade students coming to classes fatigued or distracted due to a lack of breakfast and lunch. This has been particularly concerning for the team, not only because of the health implications for these students, but also for the safety of students in the Trades environment.
Last year’s U Matter student survey highlighted not only financial struggles as the top concern for our students (57% of the respondents), but 31% said they regularly go without food or other necessities because they can’t afford them.
From the left: Monique Aronsohn – Student Support and Scholarship Manager, Kiri Warburton – Carpentry Lecturer, Danni-Elle Lindsay – Unitec Student Council General Rep, Alan Warburton – Academic Leader Building Construction and Services, and Matalena O’Mara – Student Council President
Building Construction and Services Academic Leader, Alan Warburton, says they’ve had great support from across Unitec to put this initiative in place, including the Student Health Centre, Student Wellbeing, Student Advocate, Maori Pacific Trades Training, Student Support & Scholarships, Te Puna Waiora and Te Kaunihera O Wairaka (USC).
Alan says that even though it is only ‘early days’ for this programme, they’ve had positive feedback from students who are really appreciating this form of support.
How you can help
If you’d like to help, the team is looking for kitchenware – particularly mugs, plates, bowls or cutlery. They would love to take them off your hands so if you have anything that you no longer need, please drop them off at Te Puna, B180-2053, or the student common room in Maataho.
Student Support and Scholarship Manager, Monique Aronsohn, says they’re looking for re-usable kitchenware (not paper, polystyrene etc) as they want to be environmentally friendly and to ensure the programme is as cost-effective as possible.
And don’t forget that the Student Council is always happy to pass on non-perishable food items to
students in need. You can drop off any donations to the USC student space in building 111 between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Are their plans to try and extend this across campus? I’m sure it isn’t just trades students facing this issue.
Kia ora Laura
The Student Support & Scholarships team are supporting several student-led initiatives at the moment across the whole of Unitec. We would be happy to discuss any plans your students have and support where we can. Our email is: studentsupport@unitec.ac.nz or feel free to contact me directly: astills@unitec.ac.nz
Please also be aware that your students (any domestic students) can come and see us directly for financial assistance for food and/or transport costs, if they are experiencing financial hardship.
International & domestic students can also come to see us for pastoral care support & we have a food cupboard any enrolled student can access also.
If you think your students would feel more comfortable accessing this support in your department, or another location, we are happy to come to wherever they are.