Shenton College students provide helping hands

For the past decade, students from Shenton College have been a driving force in helping to improve the lives of thousands of children in need.

Supporting the Helping Hands Program, the students have assembled more than 100 prosthetic hands, giving children around the world the ability to grasp, write and play.

The prosthetic hands are distributed to countries such as Africa, India, Mexico and Nepal.  

Small groups of students are provided with tool kits and instructions to assemble the prosthetic hands and test their durability.  

More than just a team building activity, the program educates participants about empathy, communication and problem-solving skills. 

Year 12 student, Patrick Taplin, highlighted the importance of the program.   

“We don’t all have the same opportunities, or privileges, in this world,” Patrick said. 

“I like to see where we can contribute to the wellbeing of others.” 

The prosthetic hands enable recipients to grasp objects such as pens, pencils, a book, and even a basketball.   

Shenton College Head of Middle School, Mr Gary Green, said the activity takes about 90 minutes.  

“The students also have an opportunity to write a heartfelt message and introduce themselves to the recipients and wish them well,” Gary said. 

“I love how this project shows the power of principled collaborative action, where collectively through time and effort we can achieve so much to assist others.” 

Helping Hands CEO, Ms Sue Langley, said she is proud of the students at Shenton College.  

“They have been involved in helping to change many lives for 10 years, which is amazing,” Sue said. 

“It’s a very powerful activity, that is not only fun, but it’s truly meaningful to know they are making a huge difference in someone’s life.   

“We send anywhere between 200- 500 prosthetic hands per month.” 

Currently, there are about 2,000 people around the world waiting for a prosthetic hand. 

For more information, visit the Helping Hands website¹.