Science funding drought raises concerns for children as teacher who quit job continues to struggle

She said that for years the Science House received no government funding and now some Department of Education funding was about to end.

“This means we must rely even more on our donors, sponsors and philanthropists. »

Duggan’s project appears to bring joy to children and fun to schools, but she also worries about the long-term impacts on a country where science is not taught as widely as it could be.

She said the critical problems facing the country would require scientists to find solutions.

“It all starts with fostering curiosity, which starts young,” she says.

“This has been going on for years. This is a systemic and generational problem. Historically, science has not been taught well in our primary schools. Our teachers lack confidence (to teach).

She says House of Science aims to empower children and teachers.

“It starts at around $8,000 for schools to access our research, but we charge them 10% of that. We have a comprehensive library that covers the entire curriculum – 42 different topics.

Topics include forensics and food science. The resources include a box containing books and about eight different experiments.

“We empower teachers to impart practical science knowledge using their resources,” she says.

“Creating one of our branches costs a lot of money. »

She says it all stems from an Education Review Office report revealing more than 70 per cent of New Zealand primary schools were not teaching science well.

“Wow” and not a good “wow” was his response.

“I was actually quite angry. I was horrified,” she said.

“I literally quit my job and started this charity. We now have 726 member schools, just over a third of all elementary and middle schools.

Duggan says now 42,000 students are using House of Science resources with government funding set to end on December 20.

“We have part-time branch managers who are paid, but there are a lot of volunteers. »

The current fundraising campaign is focused on Northland, particularly the Far North, where Duggan hopes to provide more science kits to schools.

In July, the Herald reported more than 350 jobs lost in New Zealand’s science system and the end of the $64 million-a-year national science challenges.

Duggan discussed his own campaign shortly after Givealittle provided national donation data.

Through Givealittle, New Zealanders have donated $33.1 million for the year ending June 2024.

That’s almost $100,000 a day, and Givealittle said the figure speaks to a spirit of generosity.

“The generosity of New Zealanders never ceases to amaze me,” says Lythan Chapman, chief executive of Givealittle.

“The spirit of giving lives in every community, from our largest cities to our smallest. »

With its large population, Auckland leads in total contributions, with more than $13.8 million raised.

But Gisborne stood out with an average donation of $100 per person, making it the most generous region relative to its population size.

Northland was close behind, with $95 per donor, and Southlanders gave $94 per donor.

“We often talk about big cities leading the way, but the truth is that smaller areas are just as generous, if not more, when you consider donations per person,” says Chapman.

“It is the collective spirit that truly drives this country. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every donation counts and makes a difference.

Chapman says each region contributed significantly.

“The high average of donations per person testifies to the community spirit that animates our country. »

Chapman said the donation data is especially timely as the holiday season approaches.