Kiwi Can leaders, Tauranga student and primary school scoop national awards

Laura Griffin and Jonathan Bull were presented with the Outstanding Contribution from Kiwi Can Leaders Award for their contribution to the programme. Photo / Supplied

Two inspiring local Kiwi Can leaders, an Otumoetai College student and Brookfield Primary School all won prestigious honours at the 2014 Foundation for Youth Development Excellence Awards.

Laura Griffin and Jonathan Bull, who worked with students at Te Puke Intermediate, Te Ranga School and Maketu School, were presented with the Outstanding Contribution from Kiwi Can Leaders Award.

Kiwi Can is a fun-filled nationwide primary school programme aimed at kids aged 5-12 that teaches values such as integrity and respect.

Miss Griffin and Mr Bull were among 24 award winners who were recognised from all around the country at the awards ceremony, at Government House in Auckland last week.

Brookfield Primary School received the Outstanding Kiwi Can School Award for demonstrating exceptional progress.

The judges said Kiwi Can helped Brookfield Primary with setting a positive school culture based on strong relationships between people, and it helped give the children skills they need to make a positive contribution to the community.

Principal Robert Hyndman said: "I think it's a great acknowledgment for the Kiwi Can tutors and all the school staff who work together as a team to deliver the programme, which is followed up in the classroom and across the school."

Otumoetai College student Gemma Heslop, 15, walked away with a Project K Award for overall excellence during her progress throughout the Project K Programme.