Healthy Harold raises the roof at government house
Wednesday, 28 Feb 2018
For the first time in more than 38 years, school children across NSW will experience the excitement of a visit from Healthy Harold in a brand new environment.
While the iconic Life Ed van will continue to visit schools across the state, Healthy Harold the giraffe has expanded his horizons with the announcement of a brand new Pop-up classroom, launched at Government House Sydney in February.
An agile alternative to the van, the inflatable, dome-shaped classroom is designed to be used in schools that can’t accommodate a van or when a quick response is required.
Life Ed NSW CEO Kellie Sloane said the new space, which was trialed successfully at a number of schools last year, will enable more children across NSW to access Life Education’s vital health and safety program.
“Last year Life Ed NSW saw an additional 20,000 students. As we continue to grow, we need agile new modes of delivery to complement the vans,” Ms Sloane said.
“The Pop-up classroom is easy to manoeuvre and allows our educators to visit hard to reach schools and schools who need us in emergency situations such as those experiencing cyber-safety issues.
“While a step away from the traditional mode of delivery, the Pop-up classroom still boasts much-loved features of the van including the stars on the ceiling, cutting-edge technology, touch screens and interactive lessons – and of course, Healthy Harold the giraffe.
“So far it has been met with much excitement from schools and students. We look forward to taking the Pop-up classrooms to more schools across NSW in the coming year.”
Life Ed NSW celebrated the launch of the Pop-up classrooms with a morning tea hosted by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales, and Mrs Linda Hurley, at Government House Sydney, along with Year 2 children from Paddington Public School.
The Governor, who is Patron of Life Ed NSW, said he was pleased to support the good work that the organisation does in the community.
Life Ed NSW does excellent work delivering vital health and safety education to children across the state. I am delighted to be able to assist with the launch of this creative initiative, which will help them to reach even more children, including those who need them the most.
HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL THE HONOURABLE DAVID HURLEY AC DSC (RET’D), GOVERNOR OF NEW SOUTH WALES
