About the organisation 

ISSN was established in 2008 to provide an education-led service for Invercargill secondary school students who are at risk of disengaging from education. 

It also holds the contract for the Invercargill District Attendance Service, which works with all primary and secondary schools in Invercargill, as well as some rural Southland schools. 

The early intervention attendance service attempts to intervene early so students attend school regularly and remain engaged in education. 

At present ISSN works with at least 20 different government agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs). 

 What the grant went towards 

ISSN received $100,000 from the ILT Foundation to assist with its operation. 

What the grant means to the organisation/community group 

The ILT Foundation funding meant qualified staff could be employed to provide a programme for the young people who come to the centre which was focussed on their academic, social, emotional and family needs, ISSN director Lois Conway said. 

“We are really grateful for community funders who see the value of the programme and continue to fund us.” 

ISSN does not receive any funding from the Ministry of Education or schools, so funding from community funders was essential in being able to continue to run the service, she said.