The North West Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in collaboration with Mafikeng Local Municipality held a Disaster Risk Management Awareness Campaign and handed over certificates to graduates in Driehoek village.
Emanating from the campaign, the department revealed that 76 unemployed youth from disadvantaged rural communities around the Ngaka Modiri Molema District have been trained on a First Aid course which entailed Artificial Respiratory (AR) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
MEC China Dodovu said that this empowerment is an effort by the department to create awareness about disaster management in rural communities and to support human capacity development through information and training in critical areas. He further (MEC Dodovu) indicated that the initiative is aimed at raising consciousness about disaster risks by providing information on how to reduce vulnerability and exposure to hazards.
The Head of Disaster Management in the Province, Jacky Rikhotso indicated that the initiative was also probed by several disaster cases identified in Driehoek which amongst others include floods and general fires.
Included amongst the targeted audience were community of Driehoek, Community Development Workers (CDWs), Ward councillors, Ward Committees and other stakeholders such as Youth for Christ, Botshelo Water, Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).
Some of the information shared with the community entailed issues of National Veld and Forest Fire Act. This Act provides for the establishment of the Fire Protection Associations which should advice on veld fire management strategy.
Trained youth nominated to serve in the sub-disaster forum where given their first aid kits to enable them to respond to the communities need during time of fire accidents or any other disaster.
Lerato Motaung (22) the first aid trainee said “I am grateful for the skill I have acquired during the course and I will be able to assist my community during disaster incidents”, she said.
Eighty six year old Fistos Modisakeng and 45 year old Melta Matlhoko whom both their houses were stuck by disaster incidents expressed their confidence that government is moving in the right direction by bringing disaster awareness campaigns to the community. “Young people trained on First Aid will also assist us a lot in the community especially we pensioners” Modisakeng and Matlhoko said.
Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
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Local government empowers youth on first aid
Province
