Apipedagogy & Apitherapy for Children

Reviewer: Gordana Hegić

Manual by Nina Ilič in which, in a professional, correct, and interesting way, the reader is introduced to a very complex issue related to introducing children (of kindergarten, school, and older age) to the wonderful world of bees. The author conveys her rich experience, knowledge, and love to the reader with incredible ease and introduces him to all the necessary facts related to the basics of apitherapy and apipedagogy, healthy nutrition, selection of bee products, honey massage, and various other activities; presents experiences related to experiential learning and learning with bees intended for children of different ages. In addition to the above, the author seriously and responsibly, patiently, and extremely clearly conveys to the reader important advice related to responsibility when children visit apiaries, worked out to the smallest detail. Aware that children and their health are the greatest treasure for parents, she clearly outlines all the steps and defines the responsibility of all entities working with the youngest, which until now has been insufficiently known and cared about until now. The basic question that anyone who wants to do this very noble and specific calling in a responsible and correct way should ask himself is: Who is responsible if something goes wrong at some point? Do I have the right, out of ignorance, best intentions, self-promotion, profit, or any other motive, to endanger the visitors of my apiary, especially the youngest ones? Are my competencies for working with children sufficient because I am a parent/grandfather, or do I still need more knowledge, expertise, and responsibility? Can I provide first aid if needed and do I have everything I need for it?
This manual tells so much in a clear and interesting way. I sincerely hope that all those who want to work conscientiously and professionally with children and young people will have it in their home library. The manual is intended for a wider readership, parents who want to learn the basics of proper nutrition for the development of their children, as well as the basics of apitherapy. It is intended for teachers, professors and educators who want to present the wonderful world of bees to children in a new and interesting dimension. It is certainly intended for apitherapists and beekeepers who need to learn a lot in order to be able to responsibly and professionally deal with the challenges they often set themselves by bringing children to their apiaries to whom they want to show the beauty of this noble profession and introduce them to bee products. You should always keep in mind the fact that the bee is the only poisonous animal that lives with humans, and with the love we have for these little creatures comes a great responsibility when we want to host someone in our apiary.
I sincerely hope that the manual will stimulate not only significant changes in society and the local community but also in the work of state institutions that should emulate our Slovenian colleagues and support the development of apipedagogy, apitherapy, apiculture and beekeeping in such a way as to find models of financial support for professional training of educators, teachers and pedagogues who, with the support of local apitherapists and beekeepers, would participate in the implementation of apipedagogical activities in the community. We have the opportunity to follow the innovative concept in Croatia and in all the countries of the region precisely thanks to the author who was understanding of the interest she aroused in her work and made it possible for the manual to be made available in Croatian and English in addition to the Slovenian language, for which I am especially grateful. The manual that we have in front of us sets clear guidelines and gives practical instructions on how to practically realize a whole series of socially beneficial activities.
By sharing her practical experiences, the author opens the door to a wonderful world of new knowledge related to children and bees, apitherapy, democracy and children's rights, and a completely innovative concept of apipedagogy, which was developed precisely thanks to Mrs. Nina Ilič, a certified apitherapist who, dare I say, started an api (r)evolution in working with children. With love and special attention, I will recommend the manual to everyone who wants good for our children, society, and community. Only with a lot of hard work and love can the new generation build a more beautiful and better world that we all aspire to, and we should start with the youngest in this endeavor.
Mark Winston, a Canadian biologist, in his book Bee Time: Lessons from the Hive shares his thirty years of experience studying bees: We strive for altruism, work ethic, flexibility, teamwork and communication, which are the highlights of life in a bee colony, but we often fail. . achieve what bees do with ease. I believe that this manual will serve as a basis for the development of our youngest into smart, responsible, and empathetic members of the society we want to live in.

I am convinced that by applying the knowledge presented in this manual, children from rural, but more importantly, urban areas will have a beautiful and carefree childhood connected to nature, plants, and animals where they feel safe and happy; to possess the ability to accept all the challenges that life puts before them and be the foundation of a more humane and beautiful society.

Gordana Hegić, President of the Croatian Apitherapy Society.