Ads by Google Ads by Google

Summer kicks off with Safety Day for Children this Thursday

ASCC - Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources Division
blue@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Safety Day for Children 2019 is this Thursday and youngsters between 6 and 14 years old are invited to sign up and register for this annual program, hosted by the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Agriculture Community and Natural Resources (Land Grant Program); and the Agriculture Extension Service - Farm Safety Program, and sponsored internationally by various organizations.

Safety Day coordinator Lefua Amio Mavaega-Luvu told Samoa News yesterday that they anticipate taking in a maximum of 250 kids this year.

(Samoa News points out that although there is always a cap placed on the number of participants, the program has never turned anyone away.)

In previous years, only youngsters between 8 and 13 years old were allowed to participate. But Mavaega-Luvu said yesterday that the age requirements have been lowered to 6 and extended to 14, to accommodate the little ones - and teens - who come every year, despite not being of age.

“We have some activities planned out for the little ones, as well as some things for the teenagers,” Mavaega-Luvu pointed out.

Safety Day will be held Thursday, June 20 at the ACNR-Land Grant between 7:30a.m and 1 p.m.

The goal of the event is “making farm, home, and life safer and healthier for children through education and training.” In addition to lectures, there will be hands-on learning activities that will address topics pertaining to fire safety, first aid, electrical safety, food safety, animal safety, and tools and equipment safety.

Program coordinators are hopeful that community members, especially the young ones, leave the event with helpful information that could save their lives.

With kids spending more time at home - now that school is out for the summer - this is the perfect time to educate them on how to be safe around the house and in the community.

Program Director Aufa'i Apulu Ropeti Areta will offer special remarks, and representatives from the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA); the LBJ Emergency Medical Services (EMS); and the Department of Public Safety - Fire Station will make special presentations.

The deadline to register is today. Applications can be picked up at the Land Grant Office or otherwise, call 699-1394/733-1063 to have an application emailed to you.