Building A Safer Future

At the Foundation of Goodness, we constantly strive to improve our services and enhance the skills of our team. Last week, we took a significant step forward by hosting a comprehensive first-aid training session for key members of our staff at the OYOB Centre of Excellence in Seenigama and the Sports Academy. The training, facilitated by St. John’s Institute, took place on the 26th of September 2024 and ran from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering vital skills to 14 staff members from various departments.

The need for this training was discussed in a meeting earlier in the month, where we recognised the importance of equipping our team with essential first-aid knowledge. First aid is a crucial skill, especially in Sri Lanka, where access to immediate medical care in rural areas can be challenging. According to the World Health Organisation, timely and appropriate first-aid measures can significantly reduce the risk of long-term injury or even death.

The staff members who attended the session by St. John’s came from diverse areas of the Foundation, including IT, preschool, security, and even our sports coaches. This variety ensures that no matter where an incident may occur, there will be someone with the necessary skills to respond quickly and effectively. With emergencies accounting for a significant portion of preventable injuries and deaths worldwide, having trained staff on-site can make a substantial difference, particularly in rural settings where medical facilities may not be immediately available.

The first-aid session was a resounding success, and our team is now better prepared to handle emergencies. We are deeply grateful to St. John’s Institute for their expert guidance and to all those involved in making this training possible. As always, our focus remains on empowering our staff, bridging the urban-rural divide, and creating a safer environment for everyone under our care.