Creating safe and secure learning environments is a cornerstone of quality education. In recognition of this, the Katsina State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project Katsina, recently conducted a transformative 2-day training program on safe schools and health hazards from 3rd to 4th December 2024.
This impactful training brought together 1,200 teachers and students from across the state’s three senatorial zones—Katsina Central, Funtua, and Daura Zones—in a bid to foster safer schools and equip participants with essential skills to mitigate health and safety risks.
Why This Training Matters
Schools are hubs of activity, but without the right knowledge and practices, they can also become sites of preventable health hazards. From hygiene-related issues to emergency preparedness, the need to prioritize safety is more important than ever.
This training program aimed to address these challenges by:
- Educating participants on common health hazards in schools and preventive measures.
- Equipping teachers and students with practical first-aid and emergency response skills.
- Promoting safe school practices to ensure secure learning environments for all.
Highlights from the Training
The program was both interactive and practical, ensuring participants could apply what they learned in real-life scenarios. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Health Hazards Awareness: Participants learned to identify potential risks such as poor sanitation, infectious diseases, and environmental dangers, along with strategies to mitigate them.
- First-Aid Demonstrations: Hands-on sessions equipped attendees with life-saving first-aid skills, including how to handle injuries and emergencies.
- Creating Safe Schools: Facilitators shared actionable strategies for fostering safe and inclusive schools, with an emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable learners.
- Active Participation: Engaging activities like role-playing, group discussions, and case studies helped reinforce learning and build confidence.
Voices from the Training
Participants left the training feeling empowered and better prepared to safeguard their school communities.
A teacher from the Daura Zone shared:
“This training has opened my eyes to the simple steps we can take to prevent health risks and ensure our students feel safe and supported in school.”
Similarly, a student from Funtua remarked:
“I now feel confident that I can help in an emergency and share what I’ve learned with my friends and family.”
A Collaborative Effort for a Greater Goal
This initiative was made possible by the unwavering commitment of the Katsina State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the AGILE Project Katsina. Together, they are championing the cause of safe and inclusive education for all, particularly for adolescent girls, who face unique challenges in accessing and thriving in schools.
What’s Next?
The success of this program marks the beginning of more targeted interventions to ensure health and safety in schools across Katsina State. Moving forward, both the Ministry and AGILE aim to:
- Monitor the implementation of the training outcomes in schools.
- Continue engaging with stakeholders to address emerging safety concerns.
- Expand capacity-building initiatives to reach even more teachers and students.
By fostering a culture of safety, this training program has laid a strong foundation for secure, supportive learning environments across Katsina State. The ripple effect of this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to better educational outcomes and healthier school communities.
Katsina State, Nigeria