On November 22, the FPS Public Health welcomed four primary school classes to Technopolis for the official launch of the illustrated book “Ouvre l’œil!”. This event offered an interactive reading experience with author Liesbeth Talboom and creative workshops led by illustrator Nancy Kers. In a fun way, the children learned to recognize the danger symbols on chemical products and discovered how to prevent accidents. This book, launched on the occasion of Voorleesweek (Reading Week), not only encourages children, teachers and parents to read, but it also shows how reading can save lives!
More than 150 classes have already discovered the world of dangerous products
Every year in Belgium, more than 10,000 incidents are caused by household chemicals such as dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent capsules and unblockers. Half of these incidents affect children. This is why the FPS Public Health, in collaboration with Plantyn and the Antipoison Center, organized a competition to encourage primary school teachers to use the “Les Petits vigiles” educational kit. This competition was a great success: more than 150 classes took part and learned more about chemicals, as well as accident prevention measures.
Patrick De Cock, spokesperson for the Anti-Poisons Center, underlines the importance of this initiative: “Children are often the main victims of exposure to chemicals. It is therefore essential to make them aware of the risks of these products, in an accessible manner. The illustrated book seems to us an ideal and fun medium for this. »
An interactive and educational day
On November 22, the 4 winning classes were invited to the launch of the new book at Technopolis. “Open your eyes!” raises awareness among young people of the risks of chemical products and teaches them to prevent accidents by carefully reading the labels and symbols on these products. During the event, students participated in an interactive reading session and various workshops. They met the security mascot, the Little Watchman, and took part in crafts, games and drawing activities to become little watchmen themselves.
Collaborating to prevent accidents and for a safer future
The book “Open your eyes!” is an initiative of the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and the Environment, in collaboration with Plantyn editions and the Antipoison Center.
Liesbeth Talboom, author of several children’s books and stories, brought the little watchman to life, while the illustrations were created by Nancy Kers.
Since November 22, parents and schools can order a free copy of “Ouvre l’œil!” on www.lireavantutilization.be. Schools also have the opportunity to request the associated educational kit free of charge, including craft materials and a set of danger symbol cards.
