Red Cross launches First Aid in schools

Midlands Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society last week launched the Disaster and Risk Management (DRM) training in Silobela. The training, to be conducted in all schools throughout the country, was meant to prepare pupils for disaster-related incidents.

In a speech read on her behalf, provincial education director Mrs Agnes Gudo said DRM in schools was a necessity. “I would like to commend the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society for championing these trainings particularly targeting our community members and teachers in local schools,” she said.

“A lot happens in any environment and First Aid skills are vital in minimising harm and risk.

“Together with other members of the Civil Protection Unit at various levels, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society is rolling out Disaster Risk Management training in schools throughout the country.

“This is aimed at equipping teachers and their pupils with Disaster Risk Management and First Aid skills to enable them to cope with disaster-related risks at local level.”

Mrs Gudo said the Provincial Education Directorate had given Red Cross the green light to roll out the training as it was in line with the new curriculum.

“Zimbabwe Red Cross has been given the green light by the Provincial Education Directorate to join hands with other members of the Civil Protection in rolling out the training in line with the new curriculum of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education,” Mrs Gudo said.

“This involves training of teachers on a cluster basis and the teachers will in turn train their pupils,” said Mrs Gudo.

“The District School Inspectors will be the ones responsible for co-ordinating the clusters.

“In this way, the Civil Protection hopes that our children will be equipped with Disaster Risk Reduction skills at a very young age. And this initiative we are launching today. In the same vein, I call upon you all to support this noble programme.”