The African Safety Award for Excellence (AfriSAFE) on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, held its Free Empowerment Practical Training Program in Lusaka, Zambia, drawing an impressive turnout of over 500 participants.
The initiative, aimed at providing critical emergency response skills, received strong backing from various stakeholders, including headline sponsor Zambia Sugar.
The training program, conducted in collaboration with Safety Management Training Services (SMTS), focused on equipping artisans, teachers, house helps, young professionals, and other community members with essential life-saving skills.
These skills include First Aid Training, Emergency Evacuation Techniques, and Mental Health Management, which are seen as crucial for addressing the country’s safety gaps.
Speaking at the event, AfriSAFE’s CEO, Femi Da-Silva, emphasized the importance of the initiative in reducing preventable deaths due to the lack of immediate emergency response.
“Many lives are lost simply because those at the scene of an emergency lack the skills to respond. This program aims to provide practical training in first aid, emergency evacuation, and mental health management,” he stated.
Da-Silva noted that many deaths in emergencies can be avoided if people are empowered with basic first aid knowledge and quick response strategies.
He stressed that the program’s ultimate goal is to build a culture of safety within communities and workplaces across Zambia. “Safety is a personal commitment, a responsibility for all. By equipping communities with these skills, we are building a safer and healthier Zambia,” Da-Silva added.
The training sessions were led by expert facilitators who provided hands-on demonstrations, ensuring that participants received practical experience in handling various emergency scenarios.
At the end of the program, participants were awarded certificates of attendance to acknowledge their newly acquired skills.
Helen Mwamba, Managing Director of SMTS Zambia, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to safety. “Safety is not just about protocols; it’s a mindset that requires constant vigilance,” Mwamba remarked.
She urged participants to carry the lessons learned from the training into their everyday lives and workplaces, stressing that actions such as proper equipment handling and avoiding distractions like phone use while driving could significantly reduce risks.
Mwamba also praised the commitment of participants and reiterated the need for continuous awareness of safety practices in both personal and professional environments.
She pointed out that the program aligns with the government’s broader efforts to improve safety standards across the country, a sentiment echoed by representatives from the Ministry Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, who were present at the event.
Representing the Honorable Minister of Labour and Social Security, Cyprian Mayamba commended the organizers for their initiative in empowering citizens with essential life-saving skills.
“This training is crucial for every Zambian. It equips us with the skills to save lives and handle emergencies effectively. I commend AfriSAFE, SMTS, and the government for making such training accessible to ordinary citizens,” Mayamba said.
The initiative’s success reflects growing recognition of the importance of emergency preparedness in Zambia. With the support of Zambia Sugar as the headline sponsor, the program was hailed as a vital step in empowering citizens with skills that can save lives.
As part of the program, participants gained valuable practical skills, with many expressing appreciation for the hands-on training.
The event concluded with attendees noting that the practical approach gave them the confidence to respond effectively in real-life emergencies.
AfriSAFE’s Free Empowerment Practical Training Program marks a significant milestone in community safety efforts, with more such programs expected to follow as part of AfriSAFE’s broader mission to enhance health and safety across Africa.
