Over 1500 children from Hackney Schools took part in a scheme at Hackney Museum to learn more about being safe and responsible citizens.

Over the last few months 10-11 year old students have met staff and VIPs from London Transport Museum, London Ambulance, Dogs Trust, London Firebrigade and the Metropolitan Police. The youngsters participated in interactive sessions to help them to become more independent as they prepare for the transition to secondary school.

Activities included better travelling by bus; safer travel by Underground; and cycle safety and first aid. Amongst other things the youngsters learnt about getting on and off a tube train safely, and what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency.

Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Social Care and Culture. Councillor Jonathan McShane said: “It is important for us all to be aware of safety and to have respect for others when using public transport. I am delighted to see our young people enjoying this educational programme that will help them on their way to becoming responsible citizens.”

"Before I came to the Hackney Museum I had no idea what citizenship meant. Now I do, and I will teach my little cousin about being a good citizen. It has helped me so much;" said Hannah, aged 10; William Patten School.

Sakina and Francesca, age 10, from William Patten Primary School both said:

"I learnt that if someone is unconscious then to help them breathe you slightly tip the person’s head up and they would then be able to breathe. It is very clever that there are just 5 steps to save someone’s life, I’ll always remember Dr ABC."

The scheme is coordinated and run by the Safety and Citizenship Team from London Transport Museum and was hosted by the Council run Hackney Museum during November, December and January

The events are part of the Hackney Junior Citizenship Scheme and are open to all schools in the borough. The event was hosted by the Council run Hackney Museum between November 2011, December 2011 and January 2012 and is run by Transport for London Safety and Citizenship, and supported by Hackney’s Safer Schools Partnership and the Learning Trust, Hackney.