The Pacific Islander and Maori Breakfast Club aims to improve attendance rates and give students a good meal in readiness to start their day off the right way.

The main man behind the idea is Willie Lolohea, Griffith High’s Pacific Islander liaison officer, is gratified at the response from the students so far.

“We are aiming to improve our attendance rates, and also make sure are filled with food and energy for their day,” he said.

Bacon, eggs, muffins, cereals and juice is organised by student volunteers who get to school at 7.30am to start preparing.

Not only is food provided, but activities as well, with a room set up with card games and a PlayStation 4 to entertain the students.

“A lot of people are a bit iffy about the PlayStation, however it’s all for good use, its more part of PDHPE, learning about body movements, so we have NBA, Rugby League and FIFA.”

As a past Griffith High School student, Mr Lolohea is keen to make a positive change now he is there working in his capacity as liaison officer.

“Within our culture specifically, the kids that usually graduate here head off to relativity mediocre jobs, and I’m not saying that they are bad jobs, but that there is so much more out there if they expand their horizons,” he said.

“The breakfast club is the starting point, it gets them fed, it gets them to school earlier, and it helps them be more aware during school because they’ve eaten a good breakfast.”

Mr Lolohea said providing role models for the students is extremely important, because it they can see him and other Pacific Islander role models graduating university and getting a good job, then it will inspire the students to aim high as well.

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“I’m a Pacific Islander and therefore I know how we all function, I know the ins and outs, how the parents are and how family is so important to us, and sometimes people just can’t provide this nutrition for them in the morning.”

The breakfast club also aims to also help not only the students, but their parents as well.

“I know that a lot of their parents have shift work and can’t be home in the morning when their kids are getting ready for school, so this is definitely taking some of the burden off parents,” he said.

“It gives parents peace of mind knowing that their kids are coming to school, getting fed, and preparing for the day ahead.”

Mr Lolohea also wishes to recognise the funding from Yenda Producers, Central Butchery for their sausages, Viccaris Bakery for the bread, and Rossier’s Foodworks for their eggs .

He also thanks the Griffith Black and Whites, Warratah Tigers and Yenda Blue Heelers who are also jumping on board.

 “They have all believed in my vision and provided the funding needed to help these students thrive,” he said.