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Looking for ways to work with current-day student challenges, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise learned of ‘Fusion4Inclusion'; a local student group formed to eliminate loneliness, foster friendships and fight bullying in our local schools. One of their initiatives was to put buddy benches onto different schoolyards in Norfolk County. With the support of the principal, Deb Opersko, the first two benches went to the Waterford Public School. The idea was for the students to lead.
Last June, the high school students did a presentation for the elementary students to discuss the purpose of a Buddy Bench and how it will help the school’s community. “The decorations are being done by the students because then it really becomes their benches,” said Sharon Norrington, program co-ordinator with Fusion4Inclusion. The decorating process also gave the older students a chance to show their leadership skills. “I think the kids are really going to embrace this idea,” said Opersko. “There are always kids that are looking for somebody to be with at recess and may not be outgoing enough to approach somebody. Sitting on one of these benches will give a signal.”
Along with the encouragement and funding provided by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, the buddy bench initiative has included ongoing support by the Norfolk Association for Community Living, Community Living Haldimand, Community Living Six Nations, and the Haldimand Norfolk REACH. “I can’t say enough good about the potential of what’s ahead using these benches at our school,” said Opersko.