Cool Bananas began with a small group of people who had a vision to see the children in the Bay of Plenty thrive not only academically but physically and spiritually as well. With that in mind, a young couple named Andy and Wendy Stott, with 5 children of their own and living in Papamoa, began a lunch time programme in their local school back in 1994. The programme, that included teaching values and life skills from a Christian foundation, quickly became very popular and soon the word got out that these guys had something worth teaching in school time as well.
Over the years the team grew and evolved, always looking at new ways of teaching timeless truths in large group settings. Technology has played an important role in the team being able to present both professionally and visually.
Now, over 25 years later Cool Bananas resources are experienced by schools and homes across NZ and other parts of the world. On top of that Cool Bananas has been involved in after school clubs, holiday programmes, youth leadership training and camps.
Currently a staff of 7 passionate people work in various roles as presenters, admin, media and fundraising. Together, with many dedicated volunteers and supporters, they make it happen.
Cool Bananas also has a volunteer network team operating in Dargaville at 4 schools.
Many other areas have adopted the model and the curriculum but have their own unique names.
Over the years it has been rewarding to work alongside the amazingly dedicated and talented teachers we have in our New Zealand Primary Schools and support children thrive and make good choices for their lives.
We also partner with Parents and the Community to inspire our tamariki to thrive.
We look forward to many more years of making a positive difference in our nation and beyond.
To see generations of children in Aotearoa New Zealand thrive.
To provide safe, professional and motivating programmes for children that teach standards and values from a Christian perspective.
Because of our commitment to our mission, we value:
Biblical Truth
Relevance in our content
Excellence in delivery
Constructive relationships
Creativity
Quality role models
