In a powerful move to reduce burn injuries, a focused burn prevention outreach was delivered to 230 pupils and 8 teachers at St. Mary’s Primary School, Uyo, igniting a wave of awareness and life-saving knowledge in the community.
The interactive session, conducted in clear and accessible English, addressed myths, misconceptions, and dangerous practices commonly used in response to burns—including the use of toothpaste, saliva, salt, cassava flour, and raw egg. These were critically examined and debunked with evidence-based explanations.
Instead, participants were taught the correct first aid response to burn injuries, including:
The “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique for managing clothing fires
The use of cool running water for 20 minutes as the gold standard for burn first aid
The importance of seeking appropriate medical attention rather than relying on unsafe home remedies
The session also covered burn risk factors in the home, especially for children under five. Key safety topics included the dangers of exposed electrical wires, flame burns, and the critical need to keep hot water and cooking areas out of children’s reach.
The engagement from both pupils and staff was exceptional, with several insightful questions demonstrating curiosity and eagerness to learn. The presence of eight attentive teachers helped ensure the messages will be reinforced beyond the classroom.
To extend the impact beyond the school walls, each pupil received tailored educational materials to take home—designed to spark conversations with parents and caregivers and spread life-saving knowledge across households. These materials included child-friendly illustrations and simple explanations, making burn safety education accessible for all literacy levels.
This outreach initiative at St. Mary’s is part of a broader campaign to embed burn prevention into the heart of Nigerian communities, starting with the most vulnerable: our children. By investing in knowledge, we are actively preventing injuries, dispelling harmful myths, and empowering families with the tools to act safely and confidently.
All thanks to the principal, teachers and pupils for their support.
3rd Outreach
Burn Safety Education Impacts 230 Pupils at St. Mary’s Primary School, Uyo
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — August 2025
In a powerful move to reduce burn injuries, a focused burn prevention outreach was delivered to 230 pupils and 8 teachers at St. Mary’s Primary School, Uyo, igniting a wave of awareness and life-saving knowledge in the community.
The interactive session, conducted in clear and accessible English, addressed myths, misconceptions, and dangerous practices commonly used in response to burns—including the use of toothpaste, saliva, salt, cassava flour, and raw egg. These were critically examined and debunked with evidence-based explanations.
Instead, participants were taught the correct first aid response to burn injuries, including:
The “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique for managing clothing fires
The use of cool running water for 20 minutes as the gold standard for burn first aid
The importance of seeking appropriate medical attention rather than relying on unsafe home remedies
The session also covered burn risk factors in the home, especially for children under five. Key safety topics included the dangers of exposed electrical wires, flame burns, and the critical need to keep hot water and cooking areas out of children’s reach.
The engagement from both pupils and staff was exceptional, with several insightful questions demonstrating curiosity and eagerness to learn. The presence of eight attentive teachers helped ensure the messages will be reinforced beyond the classroom.
To extend the impact beyond the school walls, each pupil received tailored educational materials to take home—designed to spark conversations with parents and caregivers and spread life-saving knowledge across households. These materials included child-friendly illustrations and simple explanations, making burn safety education accessible for all literacy levels.
This outreach initiative at St. Mary’s is part of a broader campaign to embed burn prevention into the heart of Nigerian communities, starting with the most vulnerable: our children. By investing in knowledge, we are actively preventing injuries, dispelling harmful myths, and empowering families with the tools to act safely and confidently.
All thanks to the principal, teachers and pupils for their support.
