In a crucial step towards improving emergency preparedness in schools and communities, the National St John Ambulance PNG (NStJA) together with the Morobe Division of Education and the Sir Brian Bell Foundation has successfully rolled out first-aid training across seven schools in Lae, Morobe province.
This joint initiative, which has already reached around 280 students, is a vital effort in equipping young people with essential life-saving skills.
Schools that have partaken in the program include Busu Secondary, Immanuel Lutheran, Lae Secondary, Markham Road Junior High School, Bumayong Lutheran Secondary School, Malahang Technical Secondary, and Taraka Junior High School.
Additional schools such as Bugandi Secondary, Igam Junior High School, AOG Secondary, and AOG Christian Academy are set to follow suit.
Zoe Saulep, NStJA’s Manager for Community Education Programs, stressed the importance of being equipped in first aid.
She expressed delight seeing young students actively engaged in learning critical skills like bandaging, slings, CPR, snakebite management, and understanding emergency preparedness.
This hands-on approach ensures that these students are not only prepared to act in emergencies but also capable of keeping their families and communities safe.
Thanks to the support of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, this initiative is making a great impact in areas where access to emergency services can often be difficult.
The foundation’s backing has allowed the program to reach more students, providing them with the tools and confidence to take action in times of crisis.
The First Aid in Schools team plans to expand its reach, with plans to visit schools in Mt Hagen, ENB, Central, and Gulf before the close of the 2025 academic year.
The initiative continues to grow, offering more young people across the country the opportunity to learn and practice life-saving skills.