Bee Awesome/He Pī Mīharo – Empowering Students, Saving Bees
Bee Awesome/He Pī Mīharo is a social enterprise that took flight (in a positive way!) after the impact of COVID-19. The self-guided programme empowers teachers to deliver engaging lessons about bees, although instigators Lesley Hurst and Hayley Guglietta can offer guidance, input and a visit to a hive/whare pī. They developed and targeted their programme to primary and intermediate school pupils, although a high school programme is also available. Their vision and mission is to have at least one beehive in every school and to instil in students’ hearts a passion for bees.
Six captivating lessons cover hive essentials, bees’ needs, and the role of bees in the environment. The captivating and engaging programme keeps students eager to learn more and motivates them to take action to care for bees. There’s an emphasis on the environmental (and human!) challenges that are facing bees, such as pesticide use and habitat loss. Bee Awesome also promotes biodiversity and the native-tree planting to attract these key pollinators.
Feedback is that kids absolutely love the programme. Any initial hesitation or fear surrounding these potentially stinging insects is qualmed through education and (monitored) interaction. When students get up close to bees during the programme, and learn about their vital importance in nature, attitudes towards the bees change: kids not only become confident in the presence of bees but are eager to see them thrive.
The mahi of Bee Awesome/He Pī Mīharo is clear: through interactive education, students not only understand bees more, they advocate for their care – and ultimately that of the local environment.
A wildflower seed fundraiser has also been launched to boost resources to enable more children to engage with the programme and take part.
Incrementally, Bee Awesome/He Pī Mīharo is making a bee friendly world more of a reality. Hives/wahre pī have been established in many Ōtautahi schools, and a local impact is taking place with every colony.
(Sept 2023)
