There was widespread support and praise today for two Deele College students who have produced a child friendly farm safety book as part of their Transition Year mini-company module.
Molly Harkin and Aoife Jordan are the architects of the ‘Sam and Sally-Staying Safe on the Farm,’ book which is aimed at 3-9 year olds in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers that are posed on family farms on a daily basis.
The two girls, who appeared on the Nine to Noon show this morning with Greg Hughes came up with the idea after watching a report by Fran McNulty on RTE about the sharp rise in farm accidents as a result of Covid.
The child friendly book tells the story of Sam and Sally who go to visit their grandpa’s farm and are unaware of the dangers that lurk in the seemingly peaceful setting. Throughout the story, they become aware of the dangers through the incorporation of farm safety signage in the illustrations. Staying away from machinery, electric fences and slurry pits are the main points of safety and it is done in a fun and interactive way. By the end of the book, kids will be familiar with the key safety signs that can be seen on farms. Knowing what these signs mean could literally be the difference between life and death.
The girls’ book has been approved by the IFA and Mabel Russell, who is a representative of the organisation has provided a foreword for the book, highlighting just how important farm safety is in this country.
Molly and Aoife have now been invited to the Department of Agriculture by Minister Charlie McConalogue where they will showcase their product to department officials and Minister for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon.
Principal of Deele College, Mr Joe Boyle says that he is delighted with the success of the girls’ product and highlighted the positive role that Transition Year has played in encouraging students to be more creative.
“We are always encouraging students to be more creative and to think outside the box and Transition Year has definitely provided the girls with the opportunity to show their creative side through their mini-company. It is a fabulous idea that is based on a need for more awareness of safety on farms and I think that the product will be very successful.
“The girls have done themselves, their families and the school proud with their work and I hope that they continue with the Sam and Sally series as there is scope to write more books with the two central characters.”
The book, which is available to buy via Facebook and Instagram is just four euro and is a must have for any farm that has young children present throughout the year.
