In 2024, 200 School Starter Kits were hand-delivered by OMEP WA members to schools in readiness for the first school day of Year 1. For the last 26 years, these kits, comprising at least an eco-friendly library bag containing 2 bumper scrap books, glue sticks, blunt-nosed scissors, a packet of coloured pencils, a packet of twistable crayons and 4 2B formative writing pencils have been provided for young children from needy families identified as presenting in Year 1 of primary school without the required materials.
Designed to ensure a positive start to primary school for all young children, the kits are supplemented from time to time with a class mascot doll, lunch box, drink bottle and additional stationery materials. Initially, generous support was provided by Wooldridges, ALCOA and Officeworks. This financial support has now dried up, but Perth College Junior School has stepped into the breech, sourcing and packaging 36 kits as their community project. This gesture fits well with the OMEP ethos of privileged children assisting other young children less fortunate than themselves.
Any schools wishing to join in with this initiative should contact Sarsha Mennell on email [email protected]
