27 June 2024
A generous program that provides essential school supplies to students in need has been recognised by a global body.
The success of Variety’s EduKids Grants was acknowledged by Variety International with a Global Innovation Award.
Schools across WA benefit from the Variety WA EduKids grants.
EduKids has been running for the past four years. It aims to provide children experiencing hardship and disadvantage with essential school supplies.
In 2023, Variety WA partnered with the Department of Education to provide funding directly to schools who were in need. Variety WA CEO, Chris Chatterton, travelled across the state to award $300,000 worth of grants to schools in remote areas.
On behalf of Variety WA, Chris said he was honoured to receive the prestigious Global Innovation Award.
“In 2023, Variety WA supported 100 government primary schools and 60 government high schools, or one fifth of public schools across the state, through EduKids grants,” he said.
“Applicant schools can receive up to $1,500 per primary school and $2,500 per high school, with the requirement to assist a minimum of 10 students each with the costs of uniforms, school bags, textbooks, booklist items.
“We worked together with schools to deliver the program, which ensures vulnerable children receive the support.”
In WA, one in six children are experiencing disadvantage in some form and Chris said that education is a key factor in helping to break people out of disadvantage.
He said it’s a complex issue that needs ongoing support.
“We can reach even more children this year and we would like to be able to offer this grant to every public school in the state, which would only cost about $1.3 million to fund each year,” he said.
Learn more about the EduKids Grants Program from the website.
Also read – Variety providing aid to students and families in need.