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Our Mission
To equip children and families in need with all the resources they require to go Back to School with a positive start, allowing tamariki to thrive and participate in school life to reach their full potential.
Our Commitment to Young People
The Back to School program was established to ensure that every child has the essential tools for a successful academic year. Our mission is to empower students by providing them with the necessary resources and support they need to thrive in their education.
The Journey
Our programme has reached numerous milestones since its inception. Each achievement reflects our commitment to supporting children in need.
2011
From Small Beginnings
The Back to School Project has been an amazing initiative since its inception in 2011. The vision was established early by its pioneer, Lynne Polglase, and stated as: “to turn Hope Centre into “party central” with balloons streamers clowns, face painting, bouncy castle and party food; to invite some disadvantaged tamariki and their parents to come so we can give them school stationery, a new school bag to put their stationery in, a lunchbox, pencils and felt pens, and new shoes, so they can start the year the same as every other child at school”. In the early years the event even included a hairdressing salon and a pedicure and manicure area!
2018
Fun all the way!
Each year the BTS Party Day has taken on a different theme – Superhero, Jungle, Circus, Treasure Hunt, Treehouse, Dream World, Space World, Under the Sea, and the themes kept coming...
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2021
A key achievement
In 2021 the Project reached its 10th anniversary; 10 years of supporting whanau and tamariki in the community. Nominations had surged to 250 nominated to the Project by Principals and Social Workers from 14 schools in Lower Hutt and Wainuiomata.
2023
Continuing to grow
In 2023 the Project expanded to include schools in the Northern Suburbs/Porirua area, and we were thrilled to be able to increase the number of tamariki able to be nominated for the Project to 300. In 2025 we will welcome 350 tamariki from 18 schools to be part of the Project and expect to see around 1000 whanau on Party day. We are thrilled to introduce buses this year to transport tamariki and whanau from the Northern Suburbs to the Party. As community need grows, the Back to School Project will continue to grow to ensure tamariki and whanau are well supported for a great start to the school year.
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Our Team
Meet some of the dedicated individuals behind our mission.
Dwight shares BTS Project oversight responsibilities including delivery of the project goals, communications, planning, and project team coordination. Dwight also takes a lead role in planning and executing the BTS Party event.
Benita shares BTS Project oversight responsibilities including delivery of the project goals, communications, planning, and project team coordination. Benita also takes lead roles in liaising with schools, and administration of the BTS funding opportunities.
Elizabeth liaises with partner schools and takes the lead on coordinating the stationery ordering, preparation, and delivery during the BTS party event.
Michelle takes the lead on coordinating party supplies and overseeing delivery during the BTS party event. Michelle also provides background administration and communications support.
We Need Your Help!
Help us make a difference in children's lives.
What Parents Say
We are so happy and blessed to be part of the Back To School. This is such a wonderful program showing God's love and care to other people. As parents, we are beyond grateful for the generous school supplies for our child. We consider it as God's loving provision. He loves them and was so excited to go to school. We could see the joy and encouragement in his heart.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support can change a child's life. Volunteer, donate, or sponsor a child today!
