A kind and empathetic east Auckland school pupil has been named a finalist in this year’s Fred Hollows Foundation NZ’s Humanity Awards.
Riverina School pupil Jayda-Rose Nooroa, 10, was nominated by her teacher Arinam Goundar for her compassionate nature and dedication to school responsibilities.
Now in their sixth year, the awards are inspired by legendary New Zealander and founder of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, the late professor Fred Hollows.
They were created to recognise year 5 or 6 students who strive to make the world around them better, and embody the values of compassion, integrity, and kindness.
“Jayda is a dedicated and hardworking student who consistently steps up to help others without complaint,” Goundar wrote in her nomination.
“As a committed school councillor and diligent student mediator, she earns the respect and admiration of her peers.
“Her humility and willingness to contribute make her a valued and well-regarded member of the school community.”
An example of Jayda’s compassionate nature was given, explaining her ability to listen to two sides of a story without making judgement and encouraging restorative conversations when dealing with issues in the playground.
Jayda was presented the award at the school’s celebrations assembly.
Eight other young Kiwis from across the country were also selected as Fred Hollows Humanity Awards finalists, each receiving certificates and goodie bags.
Isabelle Evans, who attends Te Rapa Primary School in Hamilton, was announced as the Fred Hollows Humanity Award’s Junior Ambassador.
Foundation chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua says Hollows would have been very proud of the younger generation and what they’re achieving.
“It was encouraging to read about all the young, up-and-coming humanitarians across Aotearoa who are showing compassion and kindness through their care and support for their classmates and younger peers, exhibiting integrity through various leadership roles within their schools and communities, and are genuinely motivated to make a positive difference in the world.
“They’re encapsulating the qualities of Fred Hollows, and it’s wonderful to recognise and encourage that.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ works in the Pacific with governments, Ministries of Health, and universities to restore sight to the needlessly blind and vision impaired, train local eye health specialists to provide eye care services in their own communities and works to strengthen local health systems so that everyone can access quality eye care.
