Kids volunteer time to cover graffiti

This year is International Volunteer Year so we are shining a light on some of Christchurch’s most passionate volunteers.

Teaching kids to be good humans while giving back to their community is behind

Emmanuel Christian School’s Impact Class.

It started back in 2019 when teacher Brett Hitchen asked the class to come up with ideas on how they could make a difference around Christchurch.

Two students came up with the idea of helping Christchurch City Council clean up graffiti around the city.

“We’ve been doing it twice a year since, all over the city we’ve been out painting over graffiti, Brett said.

“It’s all about teaching the kids to be a contributing member of society, it’s not about get, get, get it’s about how you can make the world a better place.”

He said the year nine and ten students love getting out and feeling the sense of purpose that comes with helping.

“One fence we’ve done 15 times! Every time we come back its covered again.”

A big lover of maths and science Brett said the real learning happens outside the classroom.

“We want them to know they can make a difference and help our city to be a place they can be proud to live in.”

The council’s graffiti volunteer coordinator, Belinda Barrett-Walker said the students are always incredibly enthusiastic and eager to get stuck in.

“Having students from Emmanuel Christian School, volunteer with the Christchurch City Council Graffiti Programme, is a win, win, win.

“A win for them in that they get involved in an outdoor activity that provides instant gratification and a greater understanding of the impact of graffiti vandalism, a win for the asset owner who gets graffiti removed from their site at no expense and a massive win for the Graffiti Programme and the community, in that it sends out a clear message for those responsible for the tagging, that graffiti vandalism will not be tolerated.”

Belinda said the Council is always looking for more people to volunteer with the graffiti team -you can visit ccc.govt.nz/graffiti or call 9418999.

If you spot graffiti you can report it to the council by emailing info@ccc.govt.nz, calling 03 941 8999 or using the Snap Send Solve App.