Posted by Peter Woodcock on Aug 21, 2018
Life Education Trust Director Lincoln Jefferson comes to speak to Pakuranga Rotary as the Club prepares for Trivia Night 2018 to be held on Saturday 6 October supporting  the work of the Trust.
After a brief introduction outlining Pakuranga Rotary’s close involvement with the Life Education Trust (now Counties Manukau) since 2000, Rotarian Alison Gilbert introduced its current Director LINCOLN JEFFERSON who gave an overview of the organisation, then some specifics related to the local scene.

Nationally, the LET’s 45 mobile classrooms reach 250,000 children per year with their interactive programme on healthy living, all facilitated by trained teachers. Locally, in Counties Manukau, the goal is to lift the figure from 35,000 this year to 40,000 next.

With principal sponsorship of Auckland Airport which maintains and stores the classrooms, the programmes are totally reliant on fund-raising to function as there is no government support and lottery funds are becoming more difficult to access. Local Boards and businesses, together with community groups such as Rotary and fund-raising events raise the necessary $750,000 annually to keep the school visits going. The small charge per pupil at each school covers less than one-third the running cost.

The programmes cover major issues such as obesity, bullying, mental health and substance abuse with an emphasis on healthy relationships and awareness of what is beneficial or not for the human body. Skills and knowledge are imparted in safe and inter-active sessions.

A school principal in the audience gave an unreserved endorsement of the whole programme which was very gratifying both to Lincoln and other listeners.

Thanks to Lincoln for his very interesting information – and not one mention of Harold!

Remember - your support in offering auction prizes and/or buying tickets for this night  will help to bring Life Educations’ message to the children of the Counties Manukau area.