The Marie Keating Foundation provides a free Schools Cancer Awareness Programme (CAP) to both junior and senior cycle students (1st – 6th year). The programme is also offered to third level universities and further education colleges.
The programme aims to makes cancer ‘less frightening by enlightening,’ by engaging students with age-appropriate, interactive, and informative material. The nine-module programme, which forms part of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) module, is available free of charge for teachers. Please contact the Marie Keating Foundation directly for more information.
Subjects covered in the programme include:
• Cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle choices
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine
• Lung cancer
• Skin cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Taking time to look after your body and mind.
Liz Yeates, CEO, Marie Keating Foundation, said: “Whilst the prevalence of cancer is on the increase, once detected early, the outcomes are also much more positive thanks to new treatments and therapies.
“The Marie Keating Foundation’s new schools programme means that we can give young people the information they need to understand cancer and the opportunity to discuss it openly. Up to half of cancers are preventable so the curriculum-linked lesson plans will help students reduce their future risk of developing cancer by advising them on diet and fitness as well as improving their awareness of key symptoms.
“This important resource can empower our young people and show them that while cancer is a horrible disease, we can all take steps to reduce our risk.”
Testimonials:
“This is just a short note to thank you both for the visit to St. Mary’s. The boys are now much more aware of the issues and signs around early cancer detection. The nurse’s presentation made a big impression on both year groups and was clearly explained with patience and factual balance around a very serious topic. We would love to book you again for next year for the fifth-year group around the same time of year, if you have availability. Thank you again for the wonderful work that your organisation does.” Gordon Smyth, Dean of Fifth Year, After School Study Coordinator, St. Mary’s College, Rathmines, Dublin 6.
“Marie Keating Foundation are a pleasure to work with, the information is delivered in a student appropriate way and sensitive to pupil’s questions. Their flexibility with dates is appreciated. Thanks.” Deirdre Curtis, SPHE Department, Ballinteer Community School
“Everything was fantastic. Workshops were very engaging, and the students greatly benefitted. Facilitators were great!” Rachael Mc Cormack, Cabinteely Community School.
“The Marie Keating Foundation’s session on Cancer Awareness for our students was truly outstanding. Their presentation was not only informative but also engaging, capturing the learner’s attention with a perfect blend of expertise, information, and interactive elements.
“The presenter’s passion and commitment created a supportive environment, encouraging open discussions. I highly recommend their sessions to anyone seeking a comprehensive and impactful understanding of cancer awareness. Thanks to all.” – Enda Lyons, Bray Youthreach
This programme is available for all secondary students as well as students in further education colleges and universities.
If you are a secondary school teacher who is interested in availing of the free Schools Cancer Awareness Programme, please email info@mariekeating.ie or call 01 628 3726.
