With a call for more male mentors and teachers to be in schools a rugby union has introduced a programme that will give support to students struggling in school.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have partnered with Key Skills Recruitment this year to deliver an Education Ambassadors Programme through the utilisation of contracted Bay of Plenty Rugby Steamers' players in schools.

During terms one and two, eight Bay of Plenty Rugby Steamers, have been providing support to at risk students across eight different schools within the Tauranga area.

As education ambassador their job will be to support students with one on one student development.

The programme is designed to inspire and motivate the targeted students to improve their attendance and encourage them to achieve the best of their abilities.

'It is great to be able to see the players involved grow as men. It has been a key focus that it is not only about growing the players and exposing them to the opportunity to further develop as individuals but provide added value to our community,” Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers.

'We know that there are a number of kids who look up to these players and it is a great opportunity to make a positive change for these kids. Kids involved are now excited to turn up to school and enjoy being at school which is a huge positive change we have seen.”

He says what has made this programme a success to date is all eight ambassadors have been selected on their suitability to excel in the role and more importantly they have received the appropriate training and support.

Ati Aaifou-Olive from Key Skills Recruitment plays a significant role in the pairing of students and players, as a result the selection has attributed to the success of the programme which has been actively supported by the Ministry of Education.

'The Bay of Plenty Steamers players have had to demonstrate a committed work ethic and positive attitude to get where they are. The boys can now share their hard work with these kids which sends a message to these kids no matter what situation you are in at home there is always a way to achieve your goals.

'The results we have received from this programme have been overwhelming, in particular one of the students was identified as a bully within the school, and over a short period of time working with Lalakai Foketi he has had a change of attitude. Not only has his view on bullying changed but his view of his peers,” says Aaifou-Olive.

Today the Bay of Plenty Steamers takes on Waikato at the Tauranga Domain, as a part of the pre-game festivities four of the schools involved in the Education Ambassadors programme, Maungatapu Primary School, Greenpark Primary School, Welcome Bay Primary School and Gate Pa Primary School will be involved in some friendly Rippa Rugby before a selected number of students will run out onto the field with the Bay of Plenty Steamers starting fifteen.

The programme is set to kick off again in term four following the conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup Campaign and is set to expand with additional players being added to assist with the programmes delivery.

Bay of Plenty Steamers Involved:

Lalakai Foketi – Papamoa High School

Jesse Parete – Te Puke High School

Terrence Hepetema – Tauranga Boys College

James Lay –Welcome Bay School

Jordan Lay – Gate Pa School

Liam Steele –Maungatapu School

Monty Ioane – Greenpark Primary School

Solomona Sakalia – Otumoetai College