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© 2025 KidsCan. All rights reserved.

KidsCan Charitable Trust is registered under the Charities Act 2005 CC10386

Keeping kids healthy

Each year, we provide more than 51,000 bottles of nit treatment and combs to children in our partner schools and early childhood centres to keep them healthy, confident and able to focus in class.
School Support ECE Support
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KidsCan-our-programmes-health-ece-child-at-table

Why health?

For children living in hardship in New Zealand, poor health can stand in the way of learning. Something as simple as headlice doesn’t just cause discomfort – it can lead to shame, embarrassment, and a reluctance to attend school.

Without access to proper treatment, untreated headlice can lead to painful infections.  

Addressing headlice quickly and effectively helps ensure that children can return to school focused, comfortable, and ready to learn.

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What we provide

Our partner schools and early childhood centres can order nit treatment and combs so any outbreak of headlice can be tackled quickly. Treatment is sent home to whānau for free.

This costs up to $30 a bottle in pharmacies, which many families just can’t afford. By providing this support it means children can be treated quickly, stopping the spread of headlice through classes.

Why do we do this?

Providing this treatment also means families don’t resort to extreme measures. Teachers report when parents are desperate and resources are limited, they may turn to unsafe remedies like insect sprays or shaving children's heads. This can deeply affect their confidence and self-esteem at a time when feeling accepted matters most. 

Small product ... big impact

Teachers and parents tell us that having access to free nit treatment is invaluable, reducing the stigma that headlice can bring. KidsCan’s treatment means families don’t have to choose between buying groceries or headlice products, schools can focus on teaching, and children can focus on learning.

Learn more about our programmes

  • kidscan-our-programmes-jackets-hanging-up

    Our Programmes

    We deliver our school and early childhood programmes across the country, focusing on food, clothing, and health.
    Learn more
  • KidsCan-Henderson-Intermediate-Students-Teacher

    Clothing

    We provide warm jackets and quality shoes so children arrive in the classroom warm, dry and comfortable.
    Learn more
  • KidsCan-our-programmes-health-ece-child-eating

    Food

    We provide nutritious breakfast, snacks and lunch foods to schools and early childhood centres.
    Learn more

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