An update on our Trust’s activities

The Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust last month signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Narooma High School (NHS). Our Trust is deeply committed to this partnership as we support quality education for students that builds unity and equal opportunity for our younger generation who are the future.

The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” originates from an African proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people (“the village”) to provide a safe, healthy environment for children, where children are given the security they need to develop and flourish, and to be able to realize their hopes and dreams.

 We believe in the importance of nurturing and bringing forth the essential abilities of every student within a holistic and unified environment for them to flourish and discover their own unique giftedness that is based upon dedicated support and opportunity. In February our Trust formed a committee – the ‘Narooma & district Educational Support Team’ (NEST) made up with Associate Members of the Trust.

Our partnership with Narooma High School is an acknowledgement that as educators they welcome the support of community members and parents who share this same commitment. Programs which the NEST committee is currently working in partnership with NHS are:

• assisting with the Breakfast Club, Equine Therapy, and soon to begin, an ‘Out of Classroom’ program that EGS Trust was fortunate to obtain a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal. EGS Trust is supporting these programs from donated funds along with this grant.

Volunteers have discovered the delights of relationship and trust that has been built between the students and themselves as they offer their gentle and committed support.

We are currently visioning some diverse programs that we hope will go ahead in 2025 that are widely cross-cultural programs for both indigenous and non-indigenous students. One is a Bark Canoe Building project for the young men and a Bush Food and Medicine Project for young women students. The broadening and sharing of cultural knowledge will serve to enrich everyone as it enhances good relationship.

NEST is seeking people who have a background in these areas who would understand and be committed to the responsibilities that come in working voluntarily within the school environment. All volunteers are required to have a current Working with Children Check clearance (WWWC). The final approval of mentors will be determined by NHS.

Should you like to know more about NEST, to volunteer you own special gifts, or support these programs with a donation (tax deductible), then we would be delighted to hear from you. Please enquire –egstrust2@gmail.com

Principal Mrs Tracy Scobie and Sr Laurel Lloyd-Jones signing an MOU