The workshop which brought together School Life Agents (AVS), headmasters and directors of establishments, staff representatives and presidents of parents’ associations on September 18 and 19, 2024 in Dédougou, to strengthen their capacities on the dangers of mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The aim is to raise awareness and inform participants about the challenges of education in emergency situations.
Indeed, the dangers posed by mines and IEDs are a worrying reality that affects not only the safety of students, but also the continuity of education in the region.
By providing appropriate tools and knowledge, the training aims to enable education stakeholders to better manage these critical situations.
Indeed, the security crisis that has been raging in our country for several years has caused psychosis within the educational community, especially in areas with high security challenges, notably that of Boucle du Mouhoun.
This emergency situation has created an imperative need for mobilizat
ion and collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure a safe learning environment for learners, hence the need to strengthen the knowledge of stakeholders on the dangers of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
For the Regional Director of Post-Primary and Secondary Education of Boucle du Mouhoun, Dr Denis Vimboué, the importance of training in the fight against the dangers linked to mines and the promotion of a safe educational environment.
He encouraged participants to put into practice the skills they learned and become safety ambassadors within their establishments.
“In the dynamics of reconquering the territory with the return of populations, it is obvious that the consolidation of peace necessarily goes with the return of basic social services including educational structures. To reduce the risks and dangers of these death engines on education stakeholders, especially students, modules are provided for this purpose,” explained Dr. Denis Vimboué.
According to him, the training workshop represe
nts a significant step in strengthening the capacities of education stakeholders in Boucle du Mouhoun.
By joining forces, they will be able to better protect students and ensure the continuity of education, even in emergency situations.
‘Raising awareness of the dangers of mines and the need for psychosocial support is crucial to building a safer and more resilient future for generations to come,’ he said.
Several themes were explored, including the identification and prevention of dangers linked to mines and IEDs and intervention strategies in emergency situations.
Participants learned to recognize the signs of danger and the behaviors to adopt in the event of the discovery of an explosive device and practical methods were shared with them to help them react quickly and effectively to mine-related incidents.
The workshop also focused on the importance of mental well-being of students and teachers, proposing approaches to provide appropriate psychosocial support in contexts of stress and insecurity.
So
urce: Burkina Information Agency