Academy gets funds for a van
Matt Manu will no longer have to reach into his own pocket to ensure the Tokoroa High School Services Academy thrives.
The academy, which teaches its students a variety of life skills, was granted $100,000 from the South Waikato District’s $5 million fund.
The services academy director said the money will go towards buying two new vans.
‘‘We’re excited, not just for the academy but for the school.’’
Manu said community engagement is an important aspect for the students. It’s more teaching them how to be community focused because they are the future,’’ Manu said.
‘‘If we don’t invest in our community then where does it stand?’’
Whether it is helping the elderly or other schools, the 60- student academy is always keen to be there.
But the $500 cost of two hired vans had become a financial burden.
There has also been many occasions when Manu volunteered the use of his own van.
Manu said he clocked up almost 170,000 kilometres travelling over three years.
Despite efforts to obtain vehicles to get to activities, it did not always happen.
‘‘There have been a lot of times when we wanted to say yes but we couldn’t,’’ he said.
The council grant comes as a big relief.
The vans are needed to take students to activities out of town. The savings will also mean the academy roll can grow.
Manu said there may be room for another 40 students but it will not happen immediately.
‘‘We’re not going to expand it too fast,’’ he said.