Mission
To provide tangible programmes in partnership with business, community and Government agencies that directly benefit children in low decile schools throughout New Zealand.
Vision
To meet the basic needs of financially disadvantaged Kiwi kids so they get to and through the school gates in a better position to learn.
Education equals opportunity! Unfortunately in New Zealand thousands of children live their lives in extreme poverty, going without the basics most of us take for granted and this has a major impact on their ability to learn so they can reach their full potential. So what is daily life REALLY like for the more than 200,000 New Zealand children living in poverty? These are New Zealand’s forgotten children who exist in a world where they cannot be sure of having three meals a day, suitable clothing and heating in their home in winter.
It means getting sicker more often, shortened life expectancy, poor nutritional status and not achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones. It means missing out on school excursions and not being able to participate fully in classroom activities; which leads to social isolation, feelings of worthlessness, loneliness and alienation. Without direct intervention children living in poverty very rarely catch up as their ability to access opportunities that are available to more fortunate children is reduced and so… the cycle of poverty starts all over again.
Founded in 2005 KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust is a national charity dedicated to ensuring all Kiwi kids affected by poverty can look forward to a brighter future.
KidsCan StandTall delivers targeted programmes which remove the physical barriers preventing children in low decile schools from getting the most out of their education. These tangible initiatives currently support the education of more than 39,000 children in 183 low decile schools across New Zealand ensuring they get through the school gate in a better position to learn. The demand for our programmes is such that we now have more than 15,000 children in 110 low decile schools across New Zealand waiting for our support. We want all New Zealanders to get involved! There are many ways you can support us to help reduce our waiting list ensuring no child in our country goes without the basics they need for a healthy happy life.