Alcala-Alcossebre Local Police create a puppet to familiarise pupils in Infants Education with the traffic rules

Alcala-Alcossebre Local Police are again starting road safety training in the local schools, after it had to stop the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This training is carried out with pupils from the Infants up to the last year of Primary Education, with the aim to make it a pro for their safety, the boys and girls are made familiar with the basic traffic regulations, the colours of the crossroad traffic lights, the function of pedestrian pavements and crossings and awareness of the use of a helmet when riding a bike.  This initiative has already been carried out in the La Mola Primary School.  The main innovation this year has been the incorporation of a puppet, which has been baptised ‘Coco’ and which is dressed similarly to a Local Police officer and used to explain to the Infant pupils matters such as the operation of the traffic lights and to share games on the operation of the traffic.  One of the officers leading the initiative explained that “the special characteristic of the Infant pupils is that it is difficult for them to concentrate so by introducing them to the concepts using the puppet, we make it more attractive and maintain their interest”.  For older pupils, the circuit is prepared with signs in the La Mola playground and cycling through the town.

The chief of the Force, Abel Serret, considers that “any preventive training action is positive and we are all aware of the importance for our children to be amused while learning”.  Mayor Francisco Juan remarked that “the current situation has made us change many dynamics, to continue with road education in the centres enables the youngest, apart from learning, to be able to enjoy activities outside the centre, which are also very positive and always with the collaboration of the Council and Local Police with the education centres”.