SCHOOL children from the Horsham district will be taking part in Junior Citizen Week in March as the event celebrates its 17th year.
The week runs from March 26 to 30 at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, and more than 900 children are expected to attend.
The event, organised by Horsham District Council, uses fun settings to teach children aged eight to ten important life skills and the importance of being good citizens.
Some of the skills taught at the event include: what actions to take in an emergency, how to minimise risk of injury and how to limit the transfer of illness or infection.
Children from 26 schools in the district will be attending the event to learn from a variety of organisations, including Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Safer Roads, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and UK Power Networks.
Roger Arthur, council cabinet member for a safer and healthier district, said: “I am extremely glad that Junior Citizen remains in the calendar despite some of the difficult financial decisions we have had to face as a council.
“The time and commitment which goes into organising the week from the many agencies which take part is testament to the importance of citizenship and I very much hope that this year’s event is as successful as those which have gone before it.
“The slow pace of democracy can be frustrating at times, but history has shown too often the consequences of not having checks and balances in place.
“Understanding those factors is clearly an important part of the educational process.”
Southern Water is sponsoring the event for the second year and Andy Shaddick, public affairs manager, said: “Southern Water is thrilled to be sponsoring Horsham’s Junior Citizen Week as it is an extremely valuable event for children in the area.
“Last year we installed approximately 30,000 meters across the Horsham district so this event is a great opportunity for us to remind the next generation of water users about the importance of using water wisely.”