Wellington centre learners became volunteers for a day in summer – just before classes finished.

Their teacher Ruth Davison liaised with Natalie Jones Conservation Volunteers NZ) and Aileen Davidson (Volunteer Wellington). Learners weeded out non-native plants on Wellington’s south coast and enjoyed a well-earned picnic lunch.

Our enthusiastic new volunteers learned so much about identifying native and non-native plants and clearing weeds from the sand dunes. Everyone felt so positive and could see the difference from before and after, especially when they saw their weed mountain! The fantastic weather, the stunning views and the sea so blue and beautiful helped make this a really memorable day outside the classroom.

‘It took my mind to a peaceful place’,  said one learner, with another adding: ‘I think we need to take care of our environment and do more work as volunteers to let humans and animals live in a safe and beautiful earth.’

A third learner commented, ‘We were happy with each other. Despite the work that was tiring’.

The hard work has not put anyone off as the learners really want to volunteer again in the future and include their families as well. The opportunity to learn about volunteering in New Zealand was so valuable and many were proud and thankful to work as a team to help the environment, protect nature, help make the beach beautiful again and make a difference.

As the learners said – even a little power can make a difference!

Learners were from Wellington’s  ESOL Intensive class.  Contact your closest centre about their local programmes

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