Recently we've observed an increasing request from disadvantaged and regional schools for attending one of our zoo areas at no cost or partly paid some organizations. Zoos Victoria believes that all children should have the opportunity to have an early memory of visiting the zoo, and gain an understanding of the wild and natural world that humans share with animals. Zoos Victoria wins the support of the Ian Potter Foundation to help achieve this goal. Funding available for schools to enter an educational program at Zoos Victoria in 2012 Applications are open from November 23, 2011 to February 12, 2012. Children from disadvantaged and originally isolated schools are provided with the opportunity to visit the zoo and attend an interactive education experience at no charge. The program objectives are: *To start developing "environmentalists" within low social and economic groups. *To support the youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to have greater awareness of wildlife and have ongoing opportunities to get relevant information about animals and the environment through the zoos' website. What is covered under the program? *Travel to the zoo -- transport costs will be partly or fully paid back to the school on the basis of the number of children applying for the program. *Student entry to one area of Zoos Victoria and an educational experience. Which schools are able to take part in the program? *Open to schools in Victoria. *Consideration will be given to schools that have not previously been able to enter one of our zoo areas, list as "disadvantaged" ones or come from regionally isolated areas. *Able to visit an area of Zoos Victoria within the 2012 school year. *Applications must be supported by the school principal . *Able to complete a short evaluation of the program. How to apply for the program? *Download the application forms. *Complete all the details, including a signature from your principal and attaching a quote for transport costs. *Return the application forms to Margaret Harwood at Zoos Victoria by email to mharwood@zoo.org.au or by post to PO Box 74, Parkville, VIC 3052. *Please contact Margaret Harwood at 03 9285 9462, if there are any further questions. Zoos Victoria wanted to help students in disadvantaged and regional schools   _  .
take action to protect wildlife in isolated areas develop a passion for wildlife and nature raise money for wildlife in the zoo learn more about plants and animals in the wild