The new educational programme – designed by the Association’s ex-president Bob Hogge and current president Tony Kirk – aims to raise awareness about the crucial role bees play in the ecosystem and the importance of their conservation.
After success with students at St Peter’s school over the last two years, the Association is inviting Year 4 pupils from other schools to their apiary to engage in a day of interactive workshops to learn more about the pollinators, the process of honey production, and the challenges facing bee populations worldwide.
Students taking part in ‘A Day With The Bees’ can look forward to wearing a beekeeping suit, inspecting a hive, making a beeswax candle, and a Q&A session with the beekeepers.
Other activities planned on the programme include constructing a wooden frame to be used inside live hives, exploring the natural environment at the Association’s apiary, and a dance competition to mimic the movement bees perform in their hive.
Parents are also welcome to accompany their children in ‘A Day With The Bees’ to join in the fun.
Tony Kirk said: “We’re thrilled to offer this free programme to Jersey’s primary schools.
“Our goal is to inspire young minds to appreciate and protect these essential creatures.”
The primary schools taking part in ‘A Day With The Bees’ this year are St Clement, St Lawrence, St Peter and Springfield.
The programme will continue in coming years and the JBKA hopes more schools will be joining them.
You can find out more information on the JBKA website or contact Tony Kirk at admin@jbka.org.je.