BY: Hana Saada
Skikda, Algeria – September 12, 2023- The Algerian Red Crescent (CRA) has taken a remarkable step towards equipping the residents of Skikda with essential first aid skills. A comprehensive first aid training session, catering to 250 individuals from various corners of the wilaya, kicked off on Sunday at the Malek-Chebel cultural palace.
Over the course of three days, this intensive training is being conducted under the guidance of 30 experienced trainers, utilizing multiple rooms within the commune of Skikda. The primary objective of this initiative is to create a cadre of proficient trainers who can subsequently educate civil society activists, homemakers, government employees, and executives in the art of first aid. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every household has at least one individual trained in first aid, as per CRA sources.
The inauguration of this training session saw the presence of Skikda’s Wali, Houria Medahi, along with the President of the Algerian Red Crescent, Ibtissem Hamlaoui. Mrs. Hamlaoui extended a heartfelt invitation to the local populace, urging them to join this humanitarian association, which currently has a presence in 800 municipal offices across 58 wilayas, with ambitions to expand its reach to 1,400 municipalities. She stressed that strong support from citizens is instrumental in bolstering and consolidating the organization’s role in aiding and assisting public authorities during emergencies in an organized and structured manner.
Taking the opportunity to underscore the importance of training, Mrs. Hamlaoui disclosed that over 10,000 first aiders have been trained since the beginning of the year. Furthermore, she announced that the CRA has procured 60,000 school bags, destined for distribution at the start of the school year, benefiting students from underprivileged families.
The Wali of Skikda, in her address, commended the tireless efforts of the Algerian Red Crescent, acknowledging the association’s significant contributions in fostering a spirit of solidarity. She highlighted their invaluable support to vulnerable segments of society and their unwavering presence in remote regions within the wilaya.
To add a poignant touch to the event, a documentary film showcasing the CRA’s principal activities and interventions was screened. Additionally, a heartfelt tribute was paid to Noureddine Tougari, President of the “Friends of the Sick” association in the wilaya of Skikda, and an illustrious volunteer of the Algerian Red Crescent at the local level.
The launch of this first aid training program in Skikda represents a vital step towards building a safer, more prepared community. As the CRA continues to expand its reach and empower individuals with life-saving skills, the prospects for enhanced emergency response in Algeria look brighter than ever.
