Arts and crafts bring joy to vulnerable children in WA during pandemic

In the midst of the COVID pandemic, GIVIT’s WA Engagement Officer, Sarah, discovered a heart-warming donation which became really special to her. Here, she shares why.

“Years ago when I did a teaching practical placement in a Year 2 class, we did a STEM project which was constructing rollercoasters for marbles to roll through using recycled boxes and cartons, paper, scissors and glue sticks. The children absolutely loved the hands-on learning activity. The learning from this task was rich with oral skills as they explained their designs, problem-solving, teamwork, conflict resolution, fine motor skills, creativity and so much more.

One little girl was upset when the project was finished and I said to her, “Not to worry because you can always do more arts and craft and making at home”. Her eyes filled with tears and she looked to the floor and said, “No I can’t, because we are poor and we don’t have scissors or paper or glue at home”.”

Years later, now at GIVIT, Sarah is working towards ensuring vulnerable children have the essentials they need.

GIVIT works with the Warriapendi Child and Parent Centre which supports refugees, migrants and Indigenous families within Balga. They provide early years programs to families at the centre, but due to COVID-19 have moved to an online version of playgroup. Not all of the families who regularly visit the centre have basic craft equipment to complete activities at home. The centre used GIVIT to request 40 craft scissors, glue sticks, coloured pencil sets and pencil sharpeners. GIVIT was able to use donated funds to purchase these items, which were then turned into little packs to send home to families.

This small gesture will mean so much to the children and families who will now have the equipment to do activities that promote learning, connection, creativity and joy.