Thousands of primary school children across the Bundaberg Region are getting important life lessons in health thanks to a $6000 grant from Gin Gin Community Bank.
The community bank enterprise, a branch of Bendigo Bank, has supported the Life Education program in the region for the past seven years.
The latest $6000 grant means children from 14 schools can attend the program for free during term four.
Bank sponsorship spokesperson Susan Bengtson said the impact of COVID-19 meant the grant was more important than ever.
“COVID has taken a huge economic toll on the region, so we are delighted to be able to give kids the opportunity to access the program with no cost at all to parents,” Ms Bengtson said.
“The Life Education program ensures children receive important health and wellbeing messages, everything from hygiene and hand washing, to good nutrition and respectful relationships.
“The program is also invaluable in the way it supports children’s emotional resilience, and with mental health issues such a big concern right now, this is so important for kids.”
Life Education Queensland CEO Michael Fawsitt, who visited the Gin Gin State School recently, thanked Gin Gin Community Bank for their ongoing support.
“We know that many families have done it tough this year, so the grant from the Gin Gin Community Bank is vital because it means children in the region won’t miss out on our core messages about looking after their physical, mental and social wellbeing,” Mr Fawsitt said.
“As the largest non-government provider of preventative health and drug education to children and young people in Queensland, we are passionate about giving every child the opportunity to access our program, especially during this challenging time.”
Gin Gin State School principal Adam Fritz said Life Education visits had been embedded in the school curriculum for 15 years.
Current students learn about the workings of the body, how to make healthy choices regarding alcohol, as well as strategies for managing conflict, stress and bullying.
“Students have many misconceptions, particularly in the context of drugs and alcohol,” Mr Fritz said.
“Life Education’s face-to-face program that is delivered by specially trained educators is equipping our students with knowledge and skills to empower them to make healthy choices into their future.”
