Kāwhia businessman surprises students with a brand new laptop each

Sid Patel gifted every student at Kāwhia School a brand new laptop. He is pictured with, from left, Te Raukura Marshall, Ngarongoa Marshall and Ty'Rece Marshall. Photo / Supplied.

Kāwhia School recently celebrated its students' achievements with their annual end-of-year prizegiving at the Kāwhia Community Centre.

During the prizegiving, local businessman Sid Patel once again surprised the principal, parents and children by presenting every Kāwhia School student with their very own laptop.

This continues his generosity of giving to the children at every prizegiving over a number of years, one year he gave them all new bikes.

He tricked everyone by first presenting a paper bag of goodies. He then announced that the children had to give the bag to someone else in the audience to teach them the act of giving and paying forward before they received their laptop.

He shared that his motivation comes from himself being dyslexic and never receiving a prize when he went to school.

Sid Patel with Kāwhia School Principal Leanne Apiti. Photo / Supplied.

He always remembered that feeling and he wanted to make sure the children who struggled like he did to have the same opportunities in education as others do.

One of Sid's teachers saw potential in him and ultimately helped him grow into the successful businessman he is now - this is why he supports education.

His generosity and support of Kāwhia School extends beyond prizegiving.

He has donated an entire computer suite fitted with computers, desks, chairs and computers.

He also provides all the stationery needs for the children and donates often to support school trips and fundraising efforts.

"We feel like it's Christmas all year round with Santa Sid! But most of all,the families and children truly appreciate his kindness to them all," says Kāwhia School principal Leanne Apiti.