Environment Waikato is to help Hamilton’s new Environment Centre to introduce an after school environmental learning programme.

The Council is to provide a $5480 grant from its Environmental Initiatives Fund to provide interactive practical environmental learning experiences for intermediate and older primary school children after school.

The Environment Centre is an initiative of Hamilton City’s Community Environmental Programme and acts as a clearing house for 31 environmental and conservation groups. Hamilton City Council has contributed about $40,000 to the Centre, and the Ministry for the Environment $1000.

Environment Waikato Planner Kevin Collins said the project was worthwhile but should be considered a pilot project. Success would depend on the number of students who attend and post-course evaluation.