Back to School
OPINION: This old mutt went to school to eat his lunch, but still knows the future of the country, and the primary sector, depends on a conveyor belt of well-educated youth coming through the system.
This year’s theme of sun safety will promote awareness of sun protection for children growing up on farms.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, is the most common form cancer in New Zealand and accounts for an estimated 80% of all new cancers identified each year.
Increasing awareness of skin cancer is crucial for children growing up on farms, where they are often exposed to the sun for extended periods. Educating kids about sun safety not only protects their health but also instils habits that can prevent skin cancer. This ensures that our future generation of farmers work safely and healthily.
The Safety Champs packs have been designed to support parents and caregivers in facilitating conversations with kids about the importance of sun protection. The fun and educational safety pack comes in a re-usable drawstring bag and includes an explorer bucket hat, printable safety-themed activities, a farm safety pledge for families to complete together and an official BASF Safety Champs certificate.
Parvana Wali, head of agricultural solutions for BASF in Australia and New Zealand said, to build awareness of farm safety at an early age, BASF developed and supports the Safety Champs programme for farming communities.
“This year, we are focusing on sun protection. By educating children about the risks of sun exposure and the importance of sun safety, we aim to prevent the sun related hazards to ensure these kids grow up in a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable farm environment.”
BASF first launched the Safety Champs Programme in New Zealand in 2022 and subsequently expanded into Australia. To find out more about the Safety Champs programme in New Zealand or to order a Safety Champs pack for your children, visit www.cropsolutions.basf.co.nz/safetychampsnz.
