Over 5000 students across regional NSW will have access to the new pop-up classrooms for preventative health education.
Life Education and its mascot Healthy Harold have delivered health education classes across NSW for nearly 40 years, traditionally using a van to create a tailored learning environment for the students.
The organisation has received $191,000 to purchase three new pop-up inflatable classrooms, hire four new part-time educators in regional communities and subsidise the cost of classes in the state’s most disadvantaged schools.
The pop-up classrooms, which look like a giant inflatable igloo, can be set up in 10 minutes and comfortably fit an entire class. They still include the much-loved features of the van, including the stars on the ceiling, touch screens and cutting-edge technology.
The domes are approximately one fifth of the price of a new van, will cost less to maintain, and eliminate rigid towing schedules.
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Aboriginal Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said programs like Life Education are invaluable to students in regional NSW.
“Everybody knows how much of an impact a Life Education class can have on a child, and students should not miss out on this opportunity just because they live in regional and remote areas,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“I am proud the NSW Government continues to partner with organisations like Life Education to ensure that every child – whether they are from Terrigal or Trangie – has access to these kinds of crucial resources.”
Life Education is Australia’s largest provider of preventative health education in schools and visits approximately 290,000 NSW students each year.
Find out more about Life Education