Conary Verve Foundation - Hang Out Ambassador programme for primary & intermediate schools

I would like to introduce you to HANG OUT, a primary school initiative developed by Taylah Jones (10), who saw a need at her school and wants to help change the lives of other children. We are working to roll out the programme throughout New Zealand and are looking for sponsorship and partners who are interested in changing our world and the future of our children for the better. Working with our young children, we are helping to provide skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. This programme is not complex and is simply about inclusion, and changing the way we view ourselves and others.

What is HANG OUT?

HANG OUT is a student run programme to assist kids who don’t have anyone to play with at break times. During some break times (morning tea and lunch) children can become separated from their friends. HANG OUT is a programme where all children can be included and no longer need to worry about being alone during these times.

Most children at some point find that they have no-one to play with at break times, due to friends being off school, friction in the social circle, they do not want to play the game within their circle, their friends take off quickly after eating and the ones left behind can’t find them, or they find it hard to ask someone if they can play with them. This can happen to any child. It can happen often, or just once.

With HANG OUT we also talk about being alone versus loneliness, as we understand that sometimes being alone is okay.

How HANG OUT was created -

After watching a news report on a similar type of programme implemented within High Schools in the USA, Taylah instantly saw a need for a buddy programme at her local primary school. And so the idea was born. After thinking we would roll out the programme from the USA, it was soon discovered that this would not suit primary school aged children. So a new programme was developed.

With the help of Mum and Dad, Taylah presented the idea to her Principal and to her peers, the rest is history. The HANG OUT Ambassador programme was initially only to be implemented into Laingholm Primary, but after talking to parents from other schools, it was obvious that this programme could benefit all children nationwide. After Taylah presented this programme to her fellow year 6 students, 37 out of 52 signed up to become a HANG OUT Ambassador.

How does HANG OUT Work?

Every break time there are nominated HANG OUT Ambassadors who wear a specially designed vest. If a child has no-one to play with they can approach these students wearing the vests knowing that they will automatically be accepted into the game they are playing. Ambassadors are also encouraged to approach kids who are alone to ask if they would like to join them in play.

HANG OUT Ambassadors can continue with their normal break time routines, but must include any child who approaches them. HANG OUT Ambassadors are also encouraged to group children together of similar ages or in the same year, and encourage them to go off and play together helping to build new friendships and social skills.

Having a HANG OUT Ambassador in every school will help us to change the dynamics on the playground; that for some young children can be daunting. It will help to develop social skills, engagement and interaction with others; it will build confidence, aid in negotiation skills and increase self-esteem. All of these qualities are beneficial and essential in later years of life.

Costs involved -

The cost for our programme per school in Auckland is currently $760+gst, so the more funds we can raise the more schools we can work with in establishing our programme and in time subsidising the fee.

If you are a business owner and would like to support us for an ongoing period, please contact us at foundation@conaryverve.com as we would love to discuss sponsorship options with you.