Working Together for Island Children

07/04/2011

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The partnership results from the dairy’s ongoing sponsorship of Jersey Trees for Life’s educational initiatives for young Islanders, in particular the Dairy Days on the Hedge which focuses on the value of hedgerows.

Jersey Dairy launched the school project programme in May 2009, in response to requests from teachers for pupils to learn about the industry. Pupils from Year 4 at First Tower School will be the first to get a behind the scenes taster of the new learning experience on Thursday 8 April at 9.30 am.

‘We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity be able to learn more about a very local and traditional island industry in a practical way,’ said Di Hooper head teacher at First Tower School. ‘The children will be able to link this learning with many aspects of their curriculum.’

The educational element of the Dairy Days is led by former primary teacher Valerie Nibbs and is designed to complement the curriculum. ‘The aim is to teach children about the importance of farming to Jersey’s environment and heritage, as well as how important a balanced and nutritional diet is for healthy development. This year’s initiative will build on the work of last year’s courses to help children understand the important role of local agricultural and dairy industries in our daily lives. They proved to be very popular and the feedback received from both pupils and teachers was incredibly positive,’ said Mrs Nibbs.

For the first time, both elements of the Dairy Days will be held on the same day and comprise classroom sessions in the Dairy and outdoor workshops. The Education and Administration Officer for Jersey Trees for Life, Michel More, will lead the outdoor workshops. He said: ‘We are grateful to Jersey Dairy for their continued commitment to environmental education. We believe education is vital to ensure that as many children as possible in our community can be inspired to understand the need to protect Jersey’s trees and hedgerows for years to come.’

Schools interested in taking part are invited to contact Mrs Nibbs on 856550.  The courses are free and are expected to take place from May to July and in the early autumn. Jersey Dairy also provides free transport to and from the participating schools.

The Managing Director of Jersey Dairy, Eamon Fenlon, said they were pleased to continue such an important partnership with Jersey Trees for Life. ‘It is important for children to appreciate their heritage and environment and also to find out where food comes from, and how beneficial fresh local produce is to the daily diet. The combination of classroom  work and outdoor activities, based around the heart of the Island’s agricultural industry, will give youngsters an even better understanding of how important it is to safeguard the Island’s countryside and support a sustainable agricultural economy for the future,’ he said.