A FEW months ago it appeared happy healthy Harold the giraffe, Life Education’s program that has been aiding children in schools to make better choices, was having it’s funding cut.
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But thanks to a wealth of support from the general public and the education minister, Simon Birmingham, Harold will continue to educate and inform future generations.
Leanne Goggin has been with Life Education running the Healthy Harold program for 21 years, and said it was a great relief to continue the good work they do.
After the huge groundswell of public support the federal government changed it's position and re-committed to Life Education.
“We are very that the federal Government listened to the public and changed it's mind,” Mrs Goggin said.
“We are extremely proud to have such strong community support for what we do.”
Mrs Goggin believes Harold and his program make a huge difference to children in kindergarten to year six.
“There are less kids smoking and drinking than ever before. Kids are making smarter choices,” she said.
“The media would like everyone to think most kids are still reckless, but the fact is they are starting alcohol income much later than ever before. I would like to think we have played a role in keeping kids safer.”
Mrs Goggin said the most important part of the program is partnership.
“It can’t work alone, and we now have incredible parent and school resources,” she said.
“With us all talking the same language it can only be beneficial for the kids.”
There are five brand new program modules for kindergarten to year two students, and new indigenous resources designed for year five and six students.
All up Life Education can offer 16 different programs in areas of drugs, alcohol, respectful relationships and cyber bullying spanning preschools to high schools.
Life Education Chief executive David Ballhausen said there is a compelling need that exits across Australia for strong, sustained and effective preventative health education.
Holiday Coast Credit Union has helped over 440 local community organisations by providing $1,620,000 by way of cash and in-kind grants.
In addition to this, HCCU Staff have volunteered hours in hands-on assistance and fundraising.
Leanne and Harold will be at Port Macquarie Public school from July 18, Comboyne Public School on July 26, Long Flat on July 27, Westport Primary from July 28 before going to Wauchope on August 7 and Telegraph Point on August 24.
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
