More than 100 pupils from 10 of the district’s primary and intermediate schools took one of their woodwork classes at the South Otago Woodcraft club instead of South Otago High School (SOHS) recently.
About a dozen club members worked school hours for weeks showing pupils how to make a garden tool called a dibbler.
"We’re here to give year 7 and 8s experience and knowledge about wood turning," SOHS junior technology teacher Simon Kay said.
"It’s the opportunity for them to work with people within the community who have decades of experience, something we can’t do up at the high school because we don’t have the equipment.
"It’s a one-on-one training system that needs a lot of experience, and these guys have plenty.
"A lot of stuff now is computer generated, so it’s a valuable skill to take a rough piece of pine timber through a lathe at 700 to 1100rpm, and within half an hour they’ve made a useful product.
"So far they’ve been very positive about the whole thing, so I hope to continue this next year."
"Some of the kids pick it up straight away and some have even done some internet research before getting here, which is very pleasing.
"The dibbler is ideal to teach basics but we have a display of turned bowls and furniture to show where you can go."
Romahapa School pupil Leilani Soloman summed up her own experience of making a dibbler.
"I was a bit scared at first. It’s a bit hectic.
"But after I’d made it I was pretty impressed with myself [and] working with Patrick was pretty good. He broke down the steps and made it pretty easy.
"I think I might give it to my nan, she’s a really good planter."
