Children at Rotorua’s Playtopia Educare are showing that age is no barrier to making a difference. Driven by empathy and a desire to help, they launched a project to support families impacted by the recent floods in Punjab, India.
With support from their families, the children set up a donation box, contributed items from home, and shared their learning between the centre and their households. The funds collected
were sent directly to two NGOs in Punjab through trusted connections—ensuring the money went toward food, blankets, and other essential items for families who had lost everything.
“Our children showed deep empathy for people living so far away, understanding that farming communities in Punjab have been devastated by these floods,” said Wendie MacDonald, senior teacher at Playtopia Educare. “Through this experience, they have learned that compassion and aroha can travel across the world.”
To support the children’s learning, Wendie drew a map of Punjab, allowing families to mark their places of origin. The centre also invited Sadar Balwant Singh to explain the geography of Punjab and how the release of dam waters led to widespread flooding.
Photo: Supplied
Children prepared messages of aroha, recorded short videos, and shared their thoughts on the initiative.
Playtopia Educare expressed gratitude to all families and children who contributed. “This project was truly driven by our tamariki,” said the team. “Their passion and love for a region far away but close to their hearts is inspiring.”
The initiative reflects Playtopia Educare’s multicultural philosophy and aligns with the Rotorua Multicultural Council’s work. With a strong Punjabi community at the centre, the project has strengthened cultural connections while fostering values of empathy, global citizenship, and kindness.
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