The ManicaPost
Anesu Kurebwaseka Post Reporter
AT least two teachers at every school across Manicaland should be trained in first aid to save lives.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mutare District Inspector, Mr Zachariah Chikwangwani at a certificate hand-over of more than 300 teachers who trained in First Aid recently, Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Edward Shumba, said they wanted to see every school having teachers trained in Disaster Risk Reduction.
He went on to say that every school should have First Aid kits.
“This training contributes immensely to a holistic approach in addressing health problems in our society at the same time capacitating teachers and our schools with relevant skills on how to deal with emergencies as they arise.
“On behalf of the Provincial Education Directorate, I would like to commend the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society for championing these trainings, particularly targeting our teachers and local schools. A lot happens in any environment with many dangers looming and First Aid skills are vital. It is my hope that the Red Cross will continue spearheading such training coupled with Junior First Aid for students,” he said.
Mr Shumba called on other district education authorities to take a leaf from Mutasa and Mutare districts and make sure that their teachers are also trained.
Speaking at the same occasion, acting Manicaland Provincial Administrator, Mr Edgars Seenza, implored on the graduands to use the skills gained to benefit communities around their schools.
Mr Seenza who also the provincial Civil Protection Unit chairman, thanked the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for taking the initiative aimed at reducing the negative effects of disasters through enhanced preparedness and response action. Zimbabwe Red Cross Society’s Secretary-General, Mr Maxwell Phiri, said First Aid training was one of the major thrusts of Red Cross.
“Any institution with a dream of longevity must have a sound junior policy and it our hope that the junior Red Cross clubs will help inculcate humanitarian values in our young people so that they grow to be responsible citizens who spare a thought for the less privileged.
“In the same vein we welcome the rolling out of the First Aid training programme for teachers which is central to the creation of a safe learning environment in our schools. First Aid is not an abstract thing, but a relevant skill which is important in saving lives during emergencies.
“Often times, loss of lives during emergencies, accidents or disasters is not primarily due to the gravity of the mishap, but because no-one was available to provide basic First Aid. These training are thus a deliberate effort aimed at minimising risk,” he said.
