Good health enhances attendance, engagement, and participation at schools and early childhood education centers. Unfortunately, for many disadvantaged children in New Zealand, maintaining good health is a constant struggle.

Since the introduction of the KidsCan Health for Kids program in our partner schools and early childhood education centers, there has been a noticeable decrease in absenteeism and an improvement in the physical wellbeing of children.

The Health for Kids program offers schools and families practical support and products to help prevent health issues. This includes basic provisions such as hand sanitizers, plasters, and head lice treatments with combs. Recent additions to the program include feminine hygiene products.

Children from disadvantaged homes are more vulnerable to health problems, which can impact their ability to learn. We aim to reduce this barrier to education by improving health across schools in New Zealand.

Education is crucial to breaking the cycle of hardship, and it is at the core of everything KidsCan does. We are working to level the playing field by providing children from struggling families with the same opportunities to learn as their peers. Our programs, delivered through partner decile 1-4 schools and low-equity Early Childhood Centers, supply Kiwi kids in need with food, clothing, and health items to ensure they are in the best position to learn.