Why First Aid Training is a Focus:
In rural communities, many creches are established informally by members of the community who feel passionate about providing care, education and good nutrition to the young children within their neighbourhood.
For such a facility to be registered with the Department of Social Development – to receive financial support – basic infrastructure and safety standards must be achieved. It is mandatory that the carers are fully trained and equipped to deliver first aid, and respond to injuries and emergencies that may take place while the children are in their care.
First Aid capability is particularly relevant in rural areas where distances to clinics or hospitals are long, and road infrastructure and transport options are limited. It is critical that the carers are able to implement the basic steps to assist the sick or injured child on site.
Rural Mpumalanga also has many ‘Home-Based-Care Centres’, established to provide care and support to the most vulnerable in the community. These centres usually provide a daily meal after school to orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as making regular home visits to the elderly, sick and disabled. It is equally important for these carers – most often volunteers – to receive first aid training, and be equipped to respond in case of emergencies.
Accredited Training Course
Africa Foundation works with 23 communities in the Mpumalanga region, supporting an ever-increasing number of creches (currently 16) and home-based-care centres (currently 5) across these communities. Funds are being raised to enable staff at these centres to access an accredited First Aid Training course. Successful course participants receive a certificate and a first aid kit, containing the necessary essentials, to take back to their place of work.