Last year Dave Brand worked with a number of boys at my school who had a variety of complex family situations.

He spent time with the boys at his workshop in Balfour doing hands-on projects.

This opportunity resulted in increased self-esteem for all involved.

One student in particular really stood out, as he went from struggling to participate in school to thriving and showing leadership potential.

This huge success has led us to explore ways to extend this work to support more boys.

For some students attendance and engagement in school is limited by an array of overwhelming complex factors.

This year Lumsden School is piloting a new initiative designed to support boys with social and emotional development.

This programme will be run during Friday mornings each week and allows some boys to work with a partner or small group together with David Brand to complete a variety of hands-on projects

around the school.

The first project we have planned is building a playhut or club house in our playground.

The whole school had the opportunity to be involved in designing the hut.

The hut construction is underway.

Dave’s boys look forward to this special time every week and are seeing increased signs of pro-social skills developing.

Dave is passionate about supporting these boys in a variety of ways.

It only takes one person to make a difference.

He provides them with a positive male role model and becomes somebody they can talk to.

Dave's work has now been extended with Ministry of Education support to include more boys around Northern Southland. 

On wet days Dave and the boys enjoy a variety of crafts and activities inside.

Baking was a big hit a few weeks ago.

Lumsden School Proudly Supported by Harvey Tanks