Posted on 20 January 2023
Bricks in the Bay is a not-for-profit educational service using Lego bricks, taking STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) learning sessions to all four of the region’s rural schools, every week, for free.
Jennifer Jackson is the founder and facilitator of Bricks in the Bay and recently approached Dean Lund, NBS Tākaka Branch Manager for sponsorship funds that would allow her to extend the programme.
Jennifer is passionate about providing this opportunity to the children of Golden Bay who otherwise have very limited access to this kind of learning.
“Bricks in the Bay helps instil pride and self-esteem that carries through to other areas of children’s school and home life, which can only have positive effects!”, says Jennifer.
The current programme for years 3 to 6 has been so popular that Bricks in the Bay have regularly been asked to offer sessions for year 1 and 2 students. This hadn’t been possible due to the wear and tear inflicted on Lego by younger kids.
But now, thanks to funding from NBS, the organisation has several new sets of Duplo, as well as second hand basic bricks and the extended programme is ready to go!
Jennifer says: “Without generous support of public and private contributions such as this, Bricks in the Bay couldn't operate. We are very grateful to NBS!"
Dean says that the work Bricks in the Bay is doing to support children’s learning is just fantastic and is a very worthwhile programme to get behind.
“I am glad that NBS has been able to fund the purchase of Duplo, meaning that more children can benefit from these sessions.” says Dean.