A major step towards burn prevention and youth empowerment was taken this week at Akanu Ibiam Memorial Secondary School in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where a dynamic outreach session reached 502 students and 7 teachers, including the school’s principal.
Organised as part of an ongoing community safety initiative, the session aimed to tackle the growing threat of burn injuries through direct education, skills training, and advocacy. The programme was structured around four key pillars:
Identifying Common Causes – Everyday hazards such as open flames and faulty wiring were discussed with clear, practical guidance.
Promoting Prevention – Students were introduced to proactive safety habits they can adopt at home and in school.
Teaching First Aid – Basic, life-saving burn first aid measures were taught to ensure timely and effective responses in emergencies.
Encouraging Smart Help-Seeking – Dangerous myths around home remedies were addressed, and the importance of seeking proper medical care was emphasised.
The response from students and staff was overwhelmingly positive. “The session opened our eyes,” one participant said. “I feel more confident to act in an emergency and to prevent accidents at home.”
To support lasting impact, the team distributed educational handouts for students to share at home, as well as exercise books and pens to support their academic journey.
“This initiative proves that with the right approach and resources, we can build safer, better-informed communities,” said the programme lead. “We are not just preventing burns—we are raising a generation of safety advocates.”
