Clay program creates positive outcomes for Mullewa students

Artist Debbie Crothers with Mullewa students

A collaborative program in Mullewa that has helped students learn about important life lessons has been praised by local schools.

The City of Greater Geraldton in Mullewa joined forces with clay artist Debbie Crothers to present the Polymer Care program.

Debbie engaged with students from Mullewa District High, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School as well as the local community to facilitate 11 polymer clay workshops at the Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the main objective behind the project was to not only teach students new abilities but also some important life skills in a fun and interactive environment.

“We’ve had absolutely great feedback from all those who were involved, including the students,” he said.

Each school student successfully made a polymer clay piece that had relevance to a life lesson.

Kindy and pre-primary students made polymer clay dogs to accompany a thoroughly informative session on the correct way to care for dogs by two passionate volunteers from Geraldton Dog Rescue and a City Ranger.

Older students made their mums a polymer clay heart for Mother’s Day and transferred their own images of what makes them happy onto a bead, then took part in a fun and interactive session on positive feelings and general well-being with two inspiring Helping Minds and WA Centre for Rural Health employees.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Principal Di Nyman said she was over the moon with the outcomes of the project and hopes that it will be continued next year.

“It was absolutely brilliant and the kids loved it,” she said.

“Where else would you get the opportunity to work with such a specialist product like polymer clay along with an artist who specialises in it.”

The City of Greater Geraldton extended their thanks to those involved including Geraldton Dog Rescue, Helping Minds – Geraldton, Department of Child Protection and Family Services, Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Group, WA Centre for Rural Health, Mullewa District High School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, Debbie Crothers and the Mullewa community.