Jingili Primary School parents raising $35k for chicken coop after horror break-in

A group of parents is raising money for a ‘people-proof’ chicken coop the price of a car. Here’s why.

Penny Frost is raising money via GoFundMe for a new chicken coop at Jingili Primary School.

A chicken coop the price of a car is set to restore the “heart and soul” of a Top End school after tragedy struck almost a year ago.

The “Chookie Hilton” would restore an integral part of Jingili Primary School’s agricultural program after 10 of the school’s pet chickens were killed in February.

A GoFundMe page launched in November hopes to raise $35,000 to fulfil the school’s agricultural dream.

Students wrote tributes on ribbons and attached them to the chook pen at Jingili Primary School after 10 of their chickens were killed in February. Picture: Bethany Griffiths

Penny Frost – who co-organised the fundraiser with a group of parents – said the funds would “people-proof” the coop and cover the materials, labour, engineering plans, certification, and “some chicken luxury”.

“We would need to keep the learning space open – a big, outdoor learning space to support the chickens will go in there,” she said.

“We’re building not just a chicken coop, we’re building more of an agricultural space which is large enough to fit classrooms and groups in there.”

Penny Frost is raising money via GoFundMe for a new chicken coop at Jingili Primary School.

Ms Frost said the chicken coop had been broken into six times previously during the 12 years the school had run its agricultural Kitchen Garden program.

“This time around, the school has said, ‘we can’t bring chickens back to the school unless we can properly secure them’,” she said.

Jingili Primary School’s chooks were cared for by the students and teachers.

Rebuilding the destroyed coop would allow students to learn to care for the animals as part of the school’s Kitchen Garden Program.

“It teaches empathy and compassion, it is good for friendship – kids who might not otherwise get along can go into where the chickens are care for these animals together,” she said.

“There’s just something really nurturing and heartwarming about watching children care for animals.

“It’s not just the chickens, they grow produce and have aquaponics and all sorts of other things.”

Jingili Primary School’s chickens were part of the school’s Kitchen Garden Program.

Ms Frost said the coop fund was accepting cash donations, building materials, or access to a skilled labourer.

She said it was the kids’ idea to let donors nominate names for their chooks.

“We’re also looking for a platinum sponsor to donate $10,000 – a plaque in recognition of your generosity will be mounted on the chicken coop.”

Ms Frost said the students and teachers of Jingili Primary School would be thrilled to see their feathery friends return.

“I’m calling on the community to bring the chickens home,” she said.