Helping island children

CAUSE: Louise Gainford was spurred on a by a recent trip to Rarotonga, to raise money and collect stationery for the island's schools. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

After a recent trip to Rarotonga, one Feilding teen has been inspired to collect donations and raise money for the island's struggling children.

Louise Gainford, 17, spent a week in the Cook Islands' capital to attend a friend's wedding.

While there, she spoke with a local school teacher who had recently relocated from Wellington.

"If it wasn't for a deep conversation that we had about education in Rarotonga, I would never have realised how much these kids are missing out on, and how much kids in New Zealand take for granted."

Louise was told children often attended school with no stationery and this was affecting their education.

"The kids over there go to school some days with no exercise books or pens so they can't learn and, when they are learning to read, they are learning to read off of just the covers of books because all the contents are gone. Imagine sending your kids to kindy and primary, knowing they aren't going to learn to read properly today because they don't have the resources."

Louise has set a goal of raising $20,000 and collecting 4000 books. With various donations adding up to more than 500 books already, Louise is confident she will make it.

"$20,000 is only a goal, not the maximum. This provides the kids with the minimum but by raising more, we can assure that they will be provided for fully. A big part of this campaign is to raise awareness of how education is in other countries."

Louise has established the Fundraising For Raro Kids Facebook page and has this week, been accepted for a Givealittle page.

"Donations are now being accepted through my Givealittle page and if you have an abundance of reading books, from toddlers to adults-aged reading, just get in contact with me through either Facebook or email."

Louise said despite struggles some of the families endure, she was surprised at how happy people were.

"The culture and the vibe of everything going on around me was just so chill and calm, there was no stress, no rushing and no worries. The people who lived and worked there were all happy and they loved what they did. The people just made my experience so much better."

To donate to Louise's cause, visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/raisingforrarokids or Facebook, Raising for Raro Kids, or email Louise on lou6842@gmail.com.