A HEART-WARMING initiative encouraging inclusiveness among Limestone Coast primary school students has recently received state-level honours at a prestigious award ceremony.
The Mount Gambier District Community Bank Branch – Bendigo Bank and the Lions Club of Mount Gambier’s Buddy Bench project was presented the community activity award at the Service Clubs Association of SA – Community Service Awards last week.
The project, which was also runner up in the social inclusion award category, involved 16 buddy benches installed simultaneously across the Limestone Coast earlier this year.
The benches, crafted by Independent Learning Centre students, have been placed to serve as an anti-bullying reminder for students.
The concept was formed several years ago by a young boy and has now spread across the world.
Project co-instigator and club zone chairperson Trevor Buchell said the bench was a space for students to go if they did not have a friend to talk to.
“They are able to sit on the bench and the aim is for another student to come over and see if they are okay,” he said.
“From speaking with staff, teachers and students we have had nothing but positive feedback.”
Mulga Street Primary School deputy principal Tamarin Condon praised the benches as a successful tool in helping students feel safe and make new friends in the playground.
“The bench is used for a range of different things, but the main one where students who do not have a friend can sit and find a friend is the nicest,” Ms Condon said.
“If you are outside and you have a chance to sit down on a nice day, children come and flock to you.
“If a child sees somebody sad, hurt or lonely, we would hope they would approach and would see whether they are okay, as it is what our school teaches.”
Ms Condon said the bench also provided a space for parents to sit and chat.
“Parents may not know each other and sometimes school events can be daunting,” she said.
“It is also a place where children can come and talk to each other which is a great thing about it.
“It is great to see children not using their devices and actually talking to each other.”
Ms Condon supported the installation of another two benches at the school.
“The student council met with Trevor last year and discussed various positions the bench would be best placed,” she said.
“It was a lovely process for children to be part of as well, to see out their legacy which we guide them to fulfill.”
Project co-instigator and club member Lorraine Watson said the project took two years of research as it was an important project to get right.
“I originally saw how well the project was going in Kingston,” she said.
“When I moved here I met Trevor and we put the project forward through joint efforts.”
Mr Buchell said now that every school in the South East region was covered there was no further plan to expand on the project.
