If we could all just be a little bit like William.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The year 6 St Peter's Primary School student has been recognised with a Fred Hollows Humanity Award at the University of Technology, Sydney.
The award recognises William's compassion, integrity and kindness in his creation of the school's Lids for Kids initiative.
The 12-year-old's campaign has seen the school population collect 5700 plastic lids and caps which are turned into prosthetic arms for children in developing countries.
"The award is for people who organise student services and humanity," he said.
"It's pretty cool. You need about 500 lids to create a prosthetic arm.
"Mum and I saw a website on Facebook and I thought it was a really good idea.
"At school we are always encouraged to do good things and to help people."
William prepared a speech which he presented to principal Geoff Leary. The school embraced the idea and collections kicked off last term.
William said he and his dad will forward the collected plastic lids and caps to Envision Hands.
Envision Hands is a project to collect plastic recyclable waste destined for landfills and turn it into filament for 3D printers, then making hands for kids.
"It feels really good that we are making a future (for children from developing countries) and that technology helps us make these prosthetic arms," William said.
It is really good for the kindy kids to see us year six kids doing things like this.
- William Abel
The year six student said it was also important to be a good role model for the school.
"It is really good for the kindy kids to see us year six kids doing things like this," he said.
"Hopefully they will also have some great ideas in the future.
"But mostly, I just want other kids get their prosthetic arms.
"I really feel quite honoured to be nominated for the award. It was my first trip in a plane and it was really nice to meet all these other kids who are also doing great things at their schools."
William was nominated by his teacher Alice McGrath.
Ms McGrath said William is sensitive to the needs of others and shows empathy far beyond his age.
The Humanity Award is a national initiative of The Fred Hollows Foundation that acknowledges year six students who follow in Fred's footsteps by demonstrating humanitarian values towards others.
Founding director of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Gabi Hollows presented 85 students from across the state with their certificates.
Ms Hollows said the awards highlight inspirational students making a positive difference in their communities.
"Fred would have been incredibly proud of the contribution these students are making to society and of the Foundation for recognising and encouraging them to help others, no matter how big or small their actions," she said.
"To all of this year's Humanity Award recipients and to the 2019 NSW Junior Ambassador to The Foundation, I offer my warmest congratulations and my heartfelt thanks."
The Fred Hollows Humanity Award will return to New South Wales in 2020.
William is a student representative council member at St Peters and will attend MacKillop College in 2020.
To learn more about the award visit www.hollows.org/humanityaward
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.