We have funded a safety information pack for two schools in Laindon, Essex. From September 2009, over 250 pupils will benefit in Phoenix Primary School and James Hornsby High School.

Produced by the Children's Safety Education Foundation (CSEF), the packs will address issues ranging from general safety awareness to drug abuse to personal development. Pupils at Phoenix Primary School will benefit from social awareness classes and improved self-esteem, while James Hornsby High School pupils shall work on topics including bullying, personal relationships and stereotypes, including racial stereotyping.

The packs also present an opportunity to work with parents and external agencies like the Police or NHS.

Working together

This venture has allowed Swan Foundation to work within the education system to address real societal issues with young people and has opened an avenue for further community engagement. This opportunity has allowed us to address the education and community aspects of our mission through working with CSEF and engaging with young children from local communities tackling real societal issues.

The schools' children mainly come from the Five Links Estate, which is an area of high deprivation and social problems. The programme is facilitated by a transition mentor who assists in the transition of year six students from Phoenix Primary School to year seven in James Hornsby High School.

More to come

CSEF are already working on visual and audio resources to complement the workbooks and Swan Foundation is keen to continue sponsoring the schools and extending this support to other schools.