Hard-to-teach students from three more Western Bay schools will now have access to a unique programme to lift their self-confidence and improve their learning thanks to a $15,000 grant from BayTrust.

Selected students from Tauranga Primary, Golden Sands School and Katikati College will be offered regular EDGE Workshops run by BB New Zealand (Boys Brigade in New Zealand) from Term 3 onwards.

The practical, hands-on woodworking sessions run one day a week or fortnight and are producing remarkable results in the classroom – astonishing both teachers and organisers.

'It's generally boys who are not enjoying or doing very well in class,” says Mike Brewer, BB New Zealand's National Director.

'By taking them out of that formal environment and working in small groups on woodworking projects, they develop a real sense of achievement and self-worth that then follows them back into the classroom.

'There was one Tauranga boy who wouldn't even engage with his teacher or class. But he now wants to learn. The turnaround is that dramatic. Once you fire boys up with a bit of confidence, they're away. Some boys are so staunch when they first come to EDGE Workshops.

'They've not done well in school and develop a hard shell. But once they get working with their hands, they soften and you can see the boy inside. It's amazing.”

EDGE Workshops were pioneered in Tauranga a decade ago and are now offered to over 1000 students in 20+ schools nationwide.

Other local students who regularly benefit attend Welcome Bay School, Gate Pa School, Merivale School, Arataki School and Tauranga Intermediate.

The workshops are the brainchild of EDGE National Programme Director, Stu Thompson, who says he's humbled and encouraged by the results the programme has achieved.

'I know we're making a difference. Some of these kids are pretty traumatised. But once they're given the chance to excel at something, they feel valued and experience that sense of satisfaction.”

A low volunteer/student ratio of 1-3 or 1-6 makes a big difference, and each session is filled with positive feedback and affirmation.

'Most of these kids don't do academic very well and they struggle with anything to do with letters or numbers,” Stu says.

'Enabling them to use their own hands and creativity via woodworking tools makes all the difference. A majority of the students are very kinesthetic learners. They learn by doing, not by watching or listening.”

Thompson is extremely grateful for the BayTrust grant, along with additional funding from TECT and the Acorn Foundation which will allow EDGE Workshops to expand to the three new schools.

'It's outstanding. Some of these schools have been waiting over a year to start with us and it was wonderful to ring them and say funding is secured, we're on our way. It's gratifying that funders like BayTrust recognise that what we're doing in the community is valuable.”

BayTrust CEO Alastair Rhodes says community wellbeing is a key funding priority and programmes like this one will help strengthen the Bay of Plenty community long-term.

'BB New Zealand is doing a fantastic job connecting with vulnerable, hard-to-reach students while they are still young enough to turn their educational outcomes around.

'Creating a sense of achievement and self-worth, and teaching skills in a practical way, is obviously making a big difference in many boys' lives. We look forward to seeing EDGE Workshops continue to expand across our region and the demand locally from school principals and teachers is certainly there.”