Research indicates that young Australians feel increasingly helpless about their natural environment and the way it is being managed. As they withdraw from it they are also becoming less engaged with nature. Growing up and experiencing nature is vital to a balanced lifestyle and creative learning.  Creativity, motor skills, socialising, self-confidence and physical well being are all better developed in a natural environment. Since 1996 Millennium Kids has acted as a mentor and catalyst for young people aged 10-25years to implement practical, hands on environmental projects in their local community.

The Swan and Canning Rivers in metropolitan Perth have, historically, been used for the disposal all kinds of waste including toxins from rubbish tips along the edge of the river. Heavy industry also contributed its share of waste into the river and remedial sites works are still ongoing in these areas.

In 2017 we are aiming for 30 schools and community groups to join us at our Discovering Our Rivers workshop at MK21 UNconference 1 - 3 October 2017.We have teamed up with various scientists and stakeholder groups to work on cleaning up the waterways and helping young, environmentally minded people implement, promote and share their small local projects along and near the foreshores of the Swan and Canning Rivers.

How will the funds be used?

Your donation will help Millennium Kids identify young West Australians who want to attend a Discovering Our Rivers Workshop and develop their own project to help sustain the river.

Funds will be used through the following key areas:

• Sustainability Workshops with Schools and Community groups to plan, establish and promote foreshore rehabilitation and monitoring projects undertaken by young people.
• Providing seed funding for each school based sustainability project mentored by Millennium Kids for a 12 month period
• Training workshops for young people 18-25 in areas of expertise that contribute to more sustainable river use that also supports the school based projects.
• All donations more than $2 are tax deductible.

KEY AREAS OF EXPENDITURE FOR FUNDS DONATED

School based teams bring their project to a 1 day workshop and develop skills in:

• Goal setting
• Team work
• Collaborating within local communities
• Promotion
• Project assessment

Our aim is to support and encourage each project team with a small grant that will help pay for vital equipment and supplies including seedlings, volunteer food, transport costs, and promotion.