Harold needs help
Rose Guile, Nicole Taylor, Graeme Brent and Harold the Giraffe are after more Marlborough help in keeping the local Life Education Trust, which sees 4,000 local children each year, able to do it’s educational role. Photo: William Woodworth.
Since 1988, Harold the Giraffe has been a familiar face in classrooms across New Zealand, teaching children important life lessons in a way that feels safe and approachable.
In Marlborough, more than 4000 children each year take part in Life Education Trust programmes with Harold and educator Graeme Brent. But behind the scenes, the Trust is in urgent need of new trustees to keep the service going.
Life Education Trust Marlborough chair Nicole Taylor says while demand for their health curriculum support was growing, the organisation has no central funding and relies entirely on local fundraising.
“We tailor learning to each school’s needs, delivered through Harold and Graeme, but everything we raise in Marlborough stays here for Marlborough children,” she says.
Nicole recalls how strong the bond can be.
“My oldest daughter used to shimmy up to Harold wherever he was and try to hold his hand. She thought Harold was her best mate. For many kids, it’s almost a teddy bear effect — if they’ve lost trust in adults, Harold is someone they feel safe to talk to.”
The Trust meets just once a month, and Nicole says the time commitment is small compared with the impact. “We need fresh faces, new ideas, and people who can help us keep Harold in our schools.”
Educator Graeme Brent says Harold remains a powerful presence in classrooms.
“We still cover classic topics like manners and feelings, but now we can also address nutrition, vaping, energy drinks and internet use. Kids take these messages in because they trust Harold.”
Trustee and teacher Rose Guile says Harold connects generations. “I’m now teaching the children of parents I once taught, and they still remember Harold.
“Life Education has kept up with the advances of technology, offering planning and other resources online to help teachers further develop the topic in their classrooms.”
Nicole hopes the community will now return the favour.
“Harold the Giraffe was chosen because giraffes are said to have the biggest heart. We hope Marlborough shows its heart by helping Harold when he needs it.”
Contact the Life Education Trust on [email protected]