Pupils from Torrance Primary have joined the Council’s ranks of Junior Wardens, having taken part in a scheme aimed at helping them become better, more responsible citizens.
The 27 primary 6 pupils from the village school took part in five weeks of classroom lessons and external activities to learn about community safety and what it means to them, their families and their community.
The Council’s Junior Warden Scheme is delivered in partnership with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue, the NHS Health Improvement Team, Fearless (junior crimestoppers) and Nil by Mouth (anti sectarian charity).
Its aim is to encourage children to think about the environment around them, make them more safety conscious and to avoid risk-taking and antisocial behaviour.
Councillor Susan Murray, Vice-Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, met the young people and presented them with certificates to mark their new found status as Junior Wardens.
She said, “The Council has been running this scheme in schools across the area for many years and in that time, with the help and support of our partners, we have delivered an intensive programme to more than 800 pupils.
“They are learning practical lessons about fire safety and the dangers they could face. The important message of having respect for Firefighters and their service is reinforced. They are taught vital life-saving techniques such as CPR and are educated about the dangers of tobacco and smoking. The scheme also touches on how to behave in the countryside and the damage that littering, graffiti and other antisocial activities can have on communities.”
Head Teacher of Torrance Primary, Phil Neill added, “I would like to thank everyone who worked with the children on this fantastic scheme. They managed to get some very important messages across in fun and interactive ways that kept the children interested in learning more. Pupils talked about a range of issues and understood their role in their community as responsible citizens. Well done to all the boys and girls for their hard work and to the teachers who supported them.”
Throughout their sessions pupils kept notebooks detailing what they learned with prizes for the best kept records. Kirsten and Matthew were the winners, each receiving gift vouchers.
Councillor Murray said, “Well done to our new Junior Wardens and thanks to our Community Safety partners for helping us offer this hands-on experience to so many young people over the years.”
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