Primary school children in Tweed will be armed with the knowledge to lead healthy and happy lives, under a record funding boost for Life Education NSW.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the NSW Nationals in government will invest an additional $2 million into the not-for-profit organisation, which turns 40 this year, to ensure the nation’s hardest working giraffe, Healthy Harold, continues to educate the next generation of young students.
“Healthy Harold and the Life Education experience is a fantastic way for students in Tweed to learn about making healthy choices as they grow up,” Mr Provest said.
“The new funding will assist with teaching younger primary school students about sun safety, healthy eating choices and road safety. For students in Year 6, topics such as cyber safety, and the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco will be covered.
“Healthy Harold and the Life Education experience has become a rite of passage in many primary schools right across the state.
“Life Education is as important now as it has ever been. With boundless entertainment options in the digital age, it is essential that important life lessons for children are delivered in an engaging and captivating way.
“This funding will help to modernise the program and provide students access to cutting-edge augmented reality and 3D systems.
“Life Education consults with local schools to ensure they cover the topics that may impact that particular school community,” Mr Provest said.
Life Education NSW CEO Kellie Sloane said the funding would mean any school across the State that wants a visit will receive one, particularly benefitting regional areas.
“In NSW, sign-ups for our program are at a decade high,” Ms Sloane said.
“As demand from schools for our help increases, this funding is critical to help us reach more children, no matter how remote.”
The funding, over four years, is in addition to nearly $19 million committed by the NSW Liberals & Nationals to Life Education since 2011.