Thursday, 21. September 2023
Beyond Mickey Mouse's Shadow: An Initiative with Heart and Mind
On September 13, Disneyland Paris became more than just a place of entertainment and wonder; it transformed into an academy for lifesaving. In collaboration with the French Red Cross, the Fédération nationale des sapeurs-pompiers de France, and regional emergency services, 350 children and adolescents, aged 3 to 18, received first aid training.
Targeting children and teenagers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and child protection centers, these young participants could also experience the magic of the Disney Parks afterward.
Why First Aid?
The time-tested adage, "Prevention is better than cure," gains more importance when it comes to first aid. Whether in school, at home, or on the streets, emergencies can happen at any time and place.
With the increasing number of road accidents, natural disasters, and everyday household mishaps, it is essential that everyone, regardless of age, knows the basics of first aid. This knowledge can save not only one’s life but also the lives of others.
An Educational Extravaganza
The initiative went beyond simple lectures and PowerPoint presentations. Instead, the first aid classes were playfully presented through interactive workshops and live demonstrations, engaging and capturing the young participants' attention.
Experts from various emergency care disciplines guided the children through practical exercises and demonstrated lifesaving techniques. The program was supplemented by additional awareness workshops carried out by the teams at Disneyland Paris.
Learning Through Experience
The Disney Village, the heart of Disneyland Paris, became a living learning platform. Here, children were not only spectators of first-aid demonstrations but also got to know careers in emergency services through a junior firefighter program.
The event provided a unique blend of education and entertainment that captivated both children and adults alike.
The Power of Storytelling
Disneyland Paris has always placed a high premium on safety and education. This event leveraged the allure of Disney stories to underline the importance of safety and well-being.
For over a decade, Disneyland Paris has offered the “Wild About Safety” program. This initiative employs characters like Timon and Pumbaa from “The Lion King” as educational companions for children, teaching them important safety rules.
An Ongoing Mission
The training programs in first aid are not a one-off event. Since 2016, Disneyland Paris and the Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-pompiers de France have been conducting joint educational workshops in schools.
This successful collaboration is expected to continue until the end of the year and beyond.
Conclusion
The initiative by Disneyland Paris and its partners serves as an exemplary model for social engagement and responsibility. It shows how recreation and education can go hand-in-hand to foster not only entertainment but also the safety and well-being of citizens.
In an era where demands for personal and public safety are rising, this educational approach is urgently needed and should serve as a model for future programs.
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