Raincoats let kids focus on learning

Wet uniforms won't put a dampener on lessons at Dominion Road School any more.

They were excited to try on the All Black coats for the first time on Wednesday.

"When I walk to school I won't get wet," says Sarah Al-Ali, 10.

Other children liked the warmth and big zip pockets.

Principal Marian Caulfield says the charity was asked to provide coats because so many pupils were sitting through classes in damp uniforms.

"They arrive wet and then they?re wet all day."

The uniform is warm enough but has no rain protection, she says.

And for many families, buying a raincoat is not a priority.

"There's not a huge range of coats out there and the nice ones are pretty expensive," Ms Caulfield says.

KidsCan general manager Julia Helson says the project was prompted by research into the reasons why children stayed away from school.

"Raincoats, shoes and food were the issues that came back from low-decile schools," she says.

The charity has given raincoats to about 16,000 Kiwi kids in the past two years, and 10,000 are on the waiting list.

A Massey University study shows children who received coats through the project had increased self-esteem and better attendance at school.

The coats were funded with a donation from Warehouse Stationery.