Fire safety camp targets children along the lower East Coast

Students participating in the impactful session held by the Guyana Fire Service at the Lusignan Community Centre
Students participating in the impactful session held by the Guyana Fire Service at the Lusignan Community Centre

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recently held a children’s fire safety camp at the Lusignan Community Centre that saw several schools from the East Coast Demerara in participation.

They included Mon Repos Primary, Good Hope Secondary and Camille’s Institute and by extension children who reside in the area.

According to a GFS release, the camp exceeded expectations and fostered a memorable and educational experience for all of the attendees. They were taught vital life skills, with an emphasis on fire safety, through engaging activities, interactive Q&A sessions, and practical demonstrations.

The release said the team of firefighters imparted crucial knowledge about fire prevention and sought to inspire and encourage children to commit to safety. The GFS added that the success of the camp lay in its ability to blend fun and learning, leaving a lasting impact on the youngsters, who returned home equipped with valuable insights and a newfound appreciation for fire safety.

The initiative will help children to understand the seriousness of fires and how to avoid them, the release said.

In an attempt to eradicate fires in the country, the GFS aims to continually host these and other awareness events to spread the message of fire safety to citizens, both old and young, it added.

Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, in his brief remarks, expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for their support. He also thanked the Chairman of the NDC Jagroop for facilitating the Fire Service. Wickham highlighted that the camp was an integral part of a strategic plan aimed at reaching and teaching children from all backgrounds, the release said.

He emphasized that children are the future, and through the camp, attendees will serve as catalysts for spreading the message of fire prevention. He was optimistic that the participants will make a positive impact in their families, schools, and communities, the release added.