Children ‘back to school’

Press, 20 January 1982, Page 6

Children ‘back to school’

Several hundred Christchurch children are spending their holidays "back at school," taking part in a special activities programme run by University of Canterbury students. Organised 'in conjunction with’ the Labour Department, 13. schools are being used to eiitertain. up to 80 youngsters, .aged from six to 12, each day. As well as painting, craft work, and games, the children have enjoyed trips to such, popular spots as the Groynes and local beaches. University students are also putting on drama, music, and dance demonstrations forthem.

Organisers said that use of school buildings in the holidays deters vandalism. Eight students have been allocated to each school, and they are also responsible for preparing activities, and cleaning up afterwards. Attendance for children from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. is free, although a small charge has been made for some

outings. Students running the programme are paid ds part of the Student Community Service Programme.

The activities scheme will continue until- .early next month at’ Ham, Kendall Avenue, Elmwood. Quinns Road, Burwood. Central New Brighton, Aranui. Sumner, Redcliffs, St Martins. Bamford, Somerfield, and Spreydon schools.

When the scheme finishes, the mobile drama, music, and dance groups will give performances at hospitals and homes.

Another group of students is spending the holidays touring libraries reading to children, and helping them make displays-on various themes. A third group is running a radio station from the Students Union building at Ham.

“The programme has been well received, and is a valuable service to the community,” said Mr Ross Henderson, director of C.H.A.P. (Children’s Holiday Activities

Programme), which is in its second year. More entertainment has been planned by the students for Sunday, when a “Play Day" will be held at North Hagley Park, in association with the Christchurch City Council. Access is from Armagh Street. Organisers hope that 2000 people will turn up between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for vari-

ous activities, including skydiving and morris dancing displays. Also being planned is a Cabaret Week running next Monday to Friday at the upper common room of the Students Union building from 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Children taking part will be-asked to prepare items which will be judged by a guest personality.