The community development organisation recently received significant funding from the Department of Internal Affairs for several projects planned in the Milton, Waihola and Taieri Mouth areas, but it did not have the staff to carry them out.
Earlier this year, the Project Bruce team and associated organisations met more than 30 University of Otago social and community work students in a Zoom workshop, to discuss how students could support their projects.
Since then, students have been involved in projects including understanding the need for food support in the community; how to make a community skate park; helping children manage difficult emotions through play with Milton Primary School; community garden engagement; creating a welcoming bicultural space for parents and children with Milton Puna Reo Playgroup; supporting grandparents raising grandchildren; a baking programme in the Otago Corrections Facility; and welcoming newcomers into the community.
"It was absolutely brilliant.
"It was like having an army of willing workers and they have achieved so many of the tasks that we have had in the pipeline for a long time.
"It has created quite a buzz around the community as these things have appeared."
University of Otago social and community work lecturer Dr Marissa Kaloga said the voluntary work helped the students learn to combine human-centred design principles and social work skills.
