Hannah Hammoud
Variety Australia children’s charity has paid a visit to Wayi School in Craigieburn presenting students with 40 bikes and six adaptive bikes.
Wayi School is the first specialist school in the Craigieburn and Mickleham area which is in its inaugural year after opening in term one of 2023.
Wayi assistant principal Hannah Virmani says that these bikes will make a huge impact on meeting the students’ need for movement in a positive, practical and appropriate way.
“Students will benefit physically by increasing their strength and stamina,” she said.
“Bike riding is a positive strategy to support self-confidence, depression, anxiety, and stress.
“Allowing the students to move during the day is vital to increase engagement and encourage academic success.”
The co-educational school, from prep-12 provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for children with disability in the Hume area.
The Variety Bikes for Kids program has delivered almost 13,000 new bikes for kids who are living with disability, illness or experiencing disadvantage.
Variety chief executive Mandy Burns says that the charity is thrilled to be able to provide bikes for kids at Wayi School.
“For children, a bike is freedom, a bike is exhilarating, a bike and learning to ride is a sense of achievement,” she said.
“We also know that learning to ride a bike can mean connection to friends and regular exercise.”
Information: www.varietybikesforkids.org/
