Primary school children learn and share bowel health message

Pupils at Invercargill’s New River Primary School are learning about the digestive system, bowel health and the importance of healthy eating habits, in partnership with the Southern DHB’s National Bowel Screening Programme.

The initiative is a pilot programme that aims to educate children so they understand the benefits of adopting healthy habits early. It is also an indirect way of encouraging participation in the National Bowel Screening Programme, which is free for those who are aged 60-74 and eligible for publicly-funded health care.

The visits to New River Primary School take place during school hours on Thursday 15 and Thursday 22 August, and involve all of the school’s pupils.

The Programme team guide children through classroom discussions about the body and nutrition, followed by a trip through a giant inflatable bowel where the pupils can engage with interactive panels inside.

They also learn a little about the National Bowel Screening Programme, with information tailored to suit each age level.

“The hope is that the children will share their learning with their families and loved ones,” says Emma Bell, Programme Manager. “Each child will have the opportunity to take home a postcard promoting the National Bowel Screening Programme to share with someone who is important to them. The postcards feature images of our bowel screening champions, who represent a range of ethnicities and backgrounds.

New River Primary School Assistant Principal, Gina Larson-White, says the school is pleased to be hosting the education sessions.

“New River Primary is always keen to raise awareness among our community members about health issues that may affect them and their whānau,” she says. “The good health of our school whānau is very important to us.”  

If the pilot is successful, the Bowel Screening Programme team plans to offer this awareness education to other schools across the Southern district in future.