Harold the Giraffe's high praise for school

Rotorua's Life Education Trust has been visiting Malfroy School for the past 20 years teaching children key life and health skills.

The school was honoured last week by the trust for sticking with them for two decades with a special presentation at a school assembly.

Malfroy School principal Nicky Brell said the trust's work was invaluable.

"It really gives them the right information and explains what it all means in a way children can understand and relate to.

"The kids know Harold [the Giraffe, the trust's mascot] like they would a McDonald's sign."

Mr Brell said the cost of just $3 per child was well worth it.

Trust chairman Russell Hallam said the trust required $130,000 in public funding every year to keep the service running and he would love to be able to offer it for free.

Mr Hallam said he would be going through the trust's records to see if any other Rotorua schools had hit the 20-year mark and would present them with a certificate of appreciation as well.

Malfroy School Life Education Trust ambassadors, 11-year-olds Ephraim Sisay, Teaorere White and Dionne Tuhakaraina said the trust and Harold the Giraffe were hugely popular at the school.

The trio were chosen to be the trust's ambassadors as they were responsible, trustworthy and upheld the school's core values.