o Conference for secondary students run by Bishop Viard College students
o Inspired by the 2010 ‘Kids Teaching Kids Conference’ in Brisbane, Australia.
o Held in Porirua 29th/30th September 2011
o Key Note Speakers
o Expert Quiz
o School Presentations
o Stream care and organic gardening action
“The main idea we wanted students to go away with is the fact that individuals can make a difference to the environment.”
“The aim was also to try and get this event to be run annually by schools around the region in future so that other students can carry on what we have started.”
“It’s a big responsibility planning and running a two day conference but we felt relaxed, calm and supported by all the adult helpers.”
Fiaola Pokia (one of the organisers) writes:
The Environmental conference run by Bishop Viard College was a very successful event which was attended by Secondary and Intermediate students from schools throughout the Wellington-Kapiti region. The feedback we received from teachers and students attending the event was very positive. The main idea that we wanted students to go away with is the fact that individuals can make a difference to the environment and the theme of our conference was OUR FOOTPRINTS “You can make a difference.” The aim was also to try and get this event to be run annually by schools around the region in future so that other students can carry on what we have started.
Organizing the conference, our environmental committee separated into sub-committees who were in charge of running different areas such as; Logistics, design, food and other aspects. We met often including our lunchtimes and after school to make sure everything was planned as well as possible. We were also lucky to have help from Charles Barrie from Enviroschools, Henry Samia and Sandie Savage from Partners Porirua, Lauren Ensor from Regional Public Health and our teacher Mrs Quinney with the group planning. We learnt a lot from this process including that it is important to be on time and focused if we want to cover all areas. It is a big responsibility planning and running a two day conference but we felt relaxed, calm and supported by all of the adult helpers.
It was a very good turnout for a first time event with students coming from Hutt Valley High, Otaki, Porirua and Onslow. The first day consisted of guest speakers, a quiz and brainstorming sessions on what we could do as young people to help the environment.
My favourite session was on coming up with ideas to get rid of graffiti. The second day was all about getting out into the environment with activities. We split into two groups with one going off to do stream testing and the other working in the community garden and then swapping half way through. We were really lucky with the sunny weather and all enjoyed the day. It also helped that we had yummy healthy food to keep our energy levels up like Mother Earth muesli bars, salad rolls and chicken curry. Some of this was donated and Pak ‘n’ Save also gave us a discount that was much appreciated.
At the end of the two days we were exhausted but also very proud of what we had achieved.
Those who attended have been motivated to run a follow up event in 2012 so watch this space.
(Among many other sources, this event received sponsorship from the Enviroschools Mother Earth Event Fund.)
