Firefighters' drive paves way for kids
A group of school pupils have been learning about the work of firefighters as part of a special project.
Firefighters, police, and Hampshire County Council have been involved in a project to benefit teenagers in Fareham.
A group of seven youngsters from Portchester Community School took part in the project, called Ubuntu - an ethical concept of African origin emphasizing community, sharing and generosity - and met up once a week.
The project covered subjects such as drug and alcohol abuse, community issues, how to stay safe, basic firefighting skills, road safety, food hygiene, team work, and confidence building.
All students were successful in achieving AQA accreditations in Basic Firefighting Skill, Road Safety Awareness and an accredited young workers programme.
And to acknowledge their hard work, a Community Safety Partnership Award was handed to those involved - Jeanette Barker, from the Children's Services Youth Team from Hampshire County Council, crew manager Andy Earl from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and PC Andy Higgs, the Safe Schools Partnership officer for Portchester Community School and Cams Hill School.
Andy Earl said: 'The crews from Portchester have done all these in their own time.
'It is a retained station and they have their own jobs. It's nice to be recognised and the guys are made up with the award.
'It was a confidence booster for them. Team work is a good skill.
'When I look back to how they were when they first started, they were quiet.
'The Fire and Rescue Service has a particular part to play in the development of essential life skills and in the active involvement of young people in their communities.
'Working in partnership in this way has shown that our position of trust can be used in different ways to lead and inspire members of the community.'
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Friday 25 May 2012
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