Thousands of pupils attend Bee Safe event

Year 1 Diploma in Childcare and Education students at the North West Regional College were recognised for their role in Bee Safe funded by Northern Ireland Electricity which took place in St Columb’s Park House.

Over 1100 children from 28 local schools attended the Bee Safe event. Bee Safe is an imaginative way of teaching Primary 7 pupils how to prevent everyday accidents and dangerous situations, and how to deal with them safely and effectively should they occur.

Children move around 7 accident themed scenarios in small groups over either a morning or afternoon session. The sessions are designed to promote a high level of interaction and involvement from pupils.

It is considered that participation in stimulated scenarios in a controlled environment helps children to think for themselves and develop practical experience of preventing and coping with potentially hazardous situations as opposed to simply being taught about managing risk in a classroom.

The initiative is a partnership between statutory and voluntary organisations including the Western Health & Social Care Trust Health Promotion Department, Northern Ireland Electricity, Derry City Council, NI Fire and Rescue Service, DOE, Translink, the PSNI and Divert.

A presentation of the certificates was organised this week in recognition of the work of the volunteers in making the scheme a success. Lesley Finlay, Health Promotion Officer at the Western Health & Social Care Trust Health Promotion Department and Co-ordinator of Bee Safe highlighted: “The initiative would not have been possible without the support of the North West Regional College students as we rely on them to guide the children around the scenarios and supervise them throughout their time at Bee Safe. We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognise their role in making this initiative a success.”

Donna McAuley, one of the eight student volunteers commented: “Bee Safe was an enjoyable way of gaining practical experience working with children which will help me greatly in my course.”

Course Co-ordinator Rachel Mooney added: “The experience of volunteering at the Bee Safe event was brilliant for the students. They really enjoyed working with the children and gained a lot of confidence as a result.”