Building Safe and Resilient Schools: Empowering Children for a Secure Future
In a world where unforeseen disasters can strike at any moment, being equipped with essential skills like firefighting and first aid can make all the difference. Recognizing this imperative, on the 7th of March, 2024, Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) took a significant step towards community empowerment by providing basic first aid and basic CPR training to a total of 1,150 students and 82 teachers from three schools in the Eastern Province of Srilanka, namely, BT/BC Rahumaniya Maha Vidyalaya, BT/BC Macan Markar Central College, and BT/BC Alighar Central College.
At BT/BC Rahumaniya Maha Vidyalaya, proactive measures are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and staff. Central to this effort is the establishment of a dedicated Disaster Management Team comprising student leaders who stand poised to respond swiftly and effectively to any crisis that may arise within the school premises. A-PAD’s initiative underscored this vital aspect of emergency responses, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical life-saving skills.
A-PAD’s commitment to community resilience shines through its comprehensive training programs, which encompass Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) lessons, basic CPR training, education on climate change, and essential life-saving techniques. Participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies, including how to administer CPR to someone experiencing a heart attack and techniques for rescuing drowning victims and hands-on exercises on how to operate fire extinguishers, provide first aid, and handle various medical emergencies. Moreover, participants learn about the different types of fire burns and appropriate methods for extinguishing fires, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle a wide range of emergency situations. By empowering individuals with these vital skills and knowledge, A-PAD not only enhances community safety but also fosters a culture of preparedness and resilience.
Beyond the acquisition of technical skills, the training fostered a sense of empowerment and community resilience. By arming individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to emergencies, A-PAD’s initiative not only enhances the safety of the school but also strengthens the surrounding community. In times of crisis, these trained individuals can serve as first responders, providing immediate assistance until professional help arrives.
A-PAD’s commitment to community empowerment extends beyond a one-time training session. By fostering ongoing partnerships with educational institutions island wide, A-PAD ensures the sustainability and long-term impact of its initiatives. Through continued support, follow-up sessions, and access to resources, A-PAD empowers communities to build resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the Safe School training provided by A-PAD SL represents a significant milestone in the journey towards community empowerment and disaster resilience. By equipping individuals with life-saving skills and fostering a culture of preparedness, A-PAD SL paves the way for safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
“Equipping Children with Life Saving Skills” : Watch Here
