An annual series of workshops aimed at teaching local children how to be good citizens has gone virtual for 2021.
In the London Borough of Hillingdon, each year Hillingdon Council and its partners come together to introduce Year 6 pupils to key life skills at an important stage in their development before they make the transition to secondary school.
The annual scheme, called Junior Citizens, has been held within the borough for more than 25 years, most recently at Brunel University London. But with ongoing restrictions in place due to the pandemic, the 2021 event has moved online.
This year, instead of delivering sessions in person, a selection of videos has been made available for schoolteachers to access via YouTube. This includes safety videos from London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, the NHS, the Dogs Trust, the RNLI, and the council’s road safety team. Brunel has also supplied some supplementary videos.
All primary schools within the borough were invited to take part, with the scheme officially starting earlier this week. Schools are being encouraged to share these key safety messages with pupils throughout May.
Martin Wilson, Chairman of Hillingdon’s Junior Citizens Scheme, said: “Hillingdon is one of the very few London boroughs that will be staging a Junior Citizens event during 2021, and we’re hoping to see more than 4,000 children taking part from 50 schools.
“At nine or 10 years old, children are becoming much more independent, and it’s so important they pick up the basic skills they need to look after themselves and others within the community.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to keep the scheme running this year, despite the pandemic, and our aim is to return with our fully interactive events at Brunel University London next year.”
All participating children will receive a certificate.
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