Since its foundation in 2015, AgriKids, under the umbrella of Irish Rural Link, has reached nearly 80,000 children with dedicated workshop events. The AgriKids platform has evolved to be the leading platform in child-centric farm safety education. It provides both in-school and in-community events as well as support to key rural/farming groups such as Teagasc, libraries, family resource centres and first responders such as An Garda Síochána.
Lisa Henry, Killererin Community Council secretary and chairperson of the Barnaderg National School Parents’ Association Committee, said: “We were delighted that AgriKids was able to visit Barnaderg NS. We are a small rural community, and farming is at the heart of everything. We are all aware that farms can be dangerous and accidents can happen all too easily. AgriKids got this message across in a really fun and thought-provoking way. We sincerely hope this workshop goes some small way to make our Killererin farms a little safer this summer.”
Anne Marie Doyle, Barnaderg National School acting principal, said: “As our school closes for the summer, we welcomed Alma Jordan and AgriKids to Barnaderg. It was a very exciting week for our children, and many are looking forward to helping out on the farm over the next two months. The message today from Agrikids to children and their parents is very clear. Farms are the most wonderful place to spend the summer, have lots of fun, but be aware of the dangers and that accidents happen too easily.”
Alma Jordan, Founder of AgriKids, said: "This was our first time in Barnaderg and we were very happy to arrive just as the school breaks up for a well-earned summer rest. The children of Barnaderg are experts in farming and, no doubt, a huge help to their parents. I know they will be taking home the Child Farm Safety message. Thanks to Anne Marie Doyle for making us so welcome, and a special word of appreciation to Keelan and Yara Mannion for making the effort to bring their tractor along. It was great to have them there and a really big help in making the day so memorable for the children."
