Healthy Harold’s Outback Adventures
Friday, 12 Jul 2024
It takes our educators almost a day to travel 750km to reach the outback town of Bourke, located in the north-western part of NSW, but the annual trip to the community is worth every mile. Healthy Harold and specialist health educators Rebecca G and Rebecca W embarked on the exciting journey to the remote community to deliver the Life Ed program to 11 schools and early learning centres, reaching 216 students.
Life Ed Educator Rebecca G says the Bourke visits not only bring plenty of smiles, but also deliver vital education, health, and safety messages to the community’s young people.
It was awesome to be given the chance to educate the students about things like cyber safety, to learning about the human body,
During the visit, students were particularly engaged with Life Ed’s module, bCyberwise, which focuses on promoting safe and responsible online behaviour. Through interactive activities and discussions, students learned about the importance of protecting their personal information, recognising cyberbullying, and understanding the impact of their digital footprint. The bCyberwise module provided students with practical strategies to navigate the online world safely, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.
Students in Bourke were captivated by Life Ed’s module, “The Inside Story,” which delves into the intricate workings of the human body systems. Through engaging and interactive activities, they explored the functions of vital organs, the circulatory and respiratory systems, and how their bodies process food and oxygen. This hands-on learning approach allowed students to understand how their bodies function and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The session demystified complex biological concepts, making them accessible and exciting for young learners. By the end of the module, students were equipped with a deeper appreciation for their bodies and practical knowledge on how to care for their physical health.
Rebecca G was particularly moved by the insights she gained from the students, who shared stories about their local support networks, including the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS). These conversations highlighted the resilience and resourcefulness of the children in Bourke, who can face challenges related to geographic isolation and limited access to services.
The trip wasn’t just about teaching but also a cultural exchange. The students of Enngonia Public School introduced Rebecca G and Rebecca W to their unique local cuisine. They proudly spoke about their protein-rich delicacy, echidna. Aunty Joan described it as “stringy, salty, and tasty,” emphasising its nutritional value for growing bodies.
Brewarrina Central School students, along with Aunty Christine, shared fascinating details about local wildlife, explaining the numerous emus spotted during daily drives and teaching that grey kangaroos are called “Bunda” in the local dialect.
The best part of the journey was the connections formed with the local community and students who felt empowered with the skills and strategies to look after their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
Healthy Harold’s adventure in Bourke highlighted the necessity of bringing preventative health education programs to remote areas, ensuring that all children, regardless of their geographic location, have the opportunity to access memorable, fun and engaging health and wellbeing education.
