Dunedin's Town Belt is the setting for both conservation and education under a partnership involving students, teachers and the community.
The Town Belt Kaitiaki (TBK) education programme has its own education coordinator who works with 12 schools and three early childhood centres supporting their use of the Dunedin Town Belt as both an outdoor classroom and a space where they can put what they learn into practice.
It uses a collaborative community education model for conservation, based on the successful Kids Restore the Kepler and Kids Greening Taupo projects.
The initiative is supported by a strategic leadership group with participants from many organisations including the Dunedin City Council who provide funding and approval to use the Town Belt.
The purpose is to help young people to value and understand the significance of the Town Belt and its mauri (life force) and learn to sustain and care for the environment.
A student leadership team composed of students from participating schools has developed a vision for the Town Belt. Each year they embark on a number of student-led projects ranging from advocacy of the Town Belt, improving recreation opportunities, monitoring wildlife and predator trapping.
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To find out more about TBK and the collaborative community education model (CCEM), go to www.townbeltkaitiaki.nz. You can also follow us on the Town Belt Kaitiaki Facebook Page.
To find out how to enrol your early childhood centre or school with TBK, or to volunteer with us, please contact TBK’s Senior Education Coordinator at townbelt.edcoordinator@gmail.com.