One pupil has set his educational pursuits beyond his own learning goals.
Lilli Pilli Public School's Ryan Hollyman, 9, is expanding reach with a project that drew inspiration from personal experience.
It all started during a family holiday to Romania, where Ryan saw potential to help students learn.
So he began raising funds, and little by little, he was making a difference. So far, he has raised $1800 and his school, has raised more than $600.
With the money gathered, Ryan donated educational resources including world maps, computer speakers, a wireless router and geometry sets, to the school he visited overseas.
A charity established by Ryan’s uncle and aunt in Romania used the funds to buy the resources.
“I saw only blackboards, my school has whiteboards. They had a small number of pencils and nothing to play with. My school has lots of stuff,” Ryan said.
“They were all in one classroom, kindy to year 6. They only had one computer for everyone to share.
“I felt very proud to see what the fundraising had bought. The most exciting thing is seeing all the smiles on the kids’ faces.”
"The children and teachers were so overwhelmed that someone so young, who lives so far away, cared so much about them and their education," his mother Elyse Corben said.
Lilli Pilli Public School recently hosted its latest fundraiser for the Donald Regan for a Better Life Association. Children dressed up in the colours of the Romanian flag.
Principal Jane Shepherd said the school was proud of Ryan’s hard work and charity.
“It’s an initiative that really brings out his leadership potential,” Mrs Shepherd said.
“He has seen firsthand how students in other countries are less fortunate and he wants to lead our school to bring awareness and help others less fortunate than us. We all think that’s brilliant.”
Ryan has also reached out to several other schools to spread the word of his project.
“I’m hoping to reach $5000,” Ryan said. “And if I make that, I’ll set an even larger goal."
