Gemma and Jessica take part in the peer support program. 35340_44.
By Lia Bichel
SAFETY was the hot topic between a local police officer and students from Narre Warren Community Learning Centre and Berwick Fields Primary School.
Students from the learning centre, aged between 16 and 18, mentored 30 Grade 3 and 4 students.
The two groups of students have been involved in a peer support program that began in term three.
“It’s a positive experience for both groups of students,” Narre Warren Community Learning Centre careers and welfare councillor Nic Millwood said.
“Younger children learn from the older students, while the older students learn to be positive role models and they gain a sense of responsibility.”
Casey youth resource officer and Leading Senior Constable Dave Smith joined the groups earlier this month to speak about the importance of protective behaviour.
“I spoke to the kids about the police role in the community, laws and rules. But, the main focus was about keeping kids safe,” Sen Const Smith said.
“We discussed what to do to keep safe, what they should do if they feel unsafe, and identified people to speak to when they felt unsafe. It’s all to do with protective behaviours.”
Sen Const Smith said it was important to educate children about safety issues at a young age.
“If they know what they can do to keep themselves safe, it’s not only good for them, but good for all of the community,” he said.
