Dozens of children and families attended a standing-room-only educational workshop on gun safety, peer pressure and bullying held at the Oasis Club House on Saturday, February 23rd. The event, which was hosted by Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough McCormick with the help of Juliana Duque from KW Property Management and Oasis Resident Cristina Paz-Morales, intended to bring awareness and educate families on safety issues that children can encounter at school and other public places and ways in which these situations can be handled.
“I have worked most of my life in our school system and I understand the importance of bringing awareness to these issues as well as teaching our children what are the best responses in these types of dangerous situations,” said Councilwoman Fairclough-McCormick. “The even offered parents and children a place to share and ask questions in a comfortable environment and this information they learned will go a long way in a child’s life.”
Mayor Steven C. Bateman and Councilman Elvis Maldonado also attended the meeting in support of Councilwoman Fairclough-McCormick’s efforts. Representatives from the Police Benevolent Association, Miami Dade Correctional Institute and Homestead Police Department’s Crime Watch Committee focused on gun safety techniques. They taught children what they should do if they know or see someone taking a gun to school. Parents also learned about different techniques and tools they can use to keep guns out of children’s hands. In addition Project Childsafe, one of the largest firearm safety and education programs in the country, provided free firearm safety kits. These kits included a cable-style gun-locking device and brochures that discuss safe handling and storage practices.
Principals, social workers, and mental health specialist also addressed the issues of peer pressure and bullying in schools and how this can sometimes lead to gun violence. Past victims of gun violence were also remembered and honored with a pool side ceremony.
After the meeting, the Homestead Police Department K9 unit and Next Level K9 performed a K9 demonstration. Attendees also enjoyed hot dogs, refreshments and ice cream, and participated in creating an arts and crafts project to promote gun safety.
After the meeting, the Homestead Police Department K9 unit and Next Level K9 performed a K9 demonstration. Attendees also enjoyed hot dogs, refreshments and ice cream, and participated in creating an arts and crafts project to promote gun safety.
