The University of Pretoria’s Department of Nursing Science recently partnered with the Essential Higher Health Institute (EHHI) in Cameroon to provide first aid training to high school learners in the rural community of Foumbot. The initiative is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences’ broader “footprint into Africa” outreach programme, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting health education in underserved communities across the continent.

The first aid training was spearheaded by Professor Isabel Coetzee-Prinsloo from the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences, who also serves as a visiting professor at the Essential Higher Health Institute (EHHI) in Cameroon and Chairperson of its Education Committee.

Drawing from a longstanding partnership formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement between the two institutions, Professor Coetzee-Prinsloo and her team identified in 2024 a critical need for basic emergency response skills among young people in this community where access to immediate healthcare is limited. The initiative formed part of the Faculty of Health Sciences’ broader “footprint into Africa” outreach programme, which aims to enhance healthcare delivery through skills development, curriculum support, and community engagement in neighbouring countries.

“We recognised that empowering school children with lifesaving skills could significantly impact health outcomes in their communities,” said Professor Coetzee-Prinsloo. “Teaching them how to respond to emergencies can literally mean the difference between life and death.”

A total of seventy-five (75) learners from four local high schools took part in the training, which was designed to be both practical and age-appropriate. Targeting learners in Grades 09 to 11, the sessions focused on equipping them with essential first aid skills, including:

• Basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults
• Correct positioning of unconscious individuals
• Applying pressure bandages to bleeding wounds
• Splinting of fractured or sprained limbs
• Managing diabetic emergencies involving low blood glucose
• How and when to notify emergency services

Each learner had the opportunity to practice these skills hands-on under the supervision of trained facilitators. The practical nature of the session was central to its success. “Every child had time to practice and demonstrate what they learned,” explained Professor Coetzee-Prinsloo. “This wasn’t just about information—it was about building confidence and readiness to act.”

To overcome the lack of resources typical in such rural settings, the training also emphasised improvisation. Learners were shown how to use common items such as scarves, belts, ties, and books in emergency scenarios. CPR manikins from EHHI’s skills laboratory and basic bandages were also used during the session.

The initiative went beyond a one-time training session. Thanks to generous sponsorships, each of the four participating schools received a fully stocked first aid kit. More importantly, the programme has laid the foundation for the formation of school-based first aid teams composed of the newly trained learners.

“Our vision is to expand this initiative. With additional funding, we plan to conduct training on a much larger scale in January 2026,” said Professor Coetzee-Prinsloo. “We’ve already had interest from several more schools who heard about the success of this year’s programme.”

Feedback from participants and educators has been overwhelmingly positive. School principals and counsellors who attended praised the University of Pretoria and EHHI for their dedication to uplifting health education in the community. “The learners were deeply engaged, appreciative, and left the session feeling empowered,” one educator noted. “This knowledge is something they can use every day, whether at school or in their villages.”

The initiative also served as a unique learning and leadership opportunity for nursing students from EHHI. Under Professor Coetzee-Prinsloo’s mentorship, these students not only refined their emergency care skills but also took on active roles as trainers and facilitators. This experience enhanced their professional development, reinforcing the value of mentorship, community service, and health advocacy.

“These kinds of events teach our students that healthcare goes beyond hospitals and clinics. They learn how to lead, educate, and serve,” said Professor Coetzee-Prinsloo. “It’s a transformational experience for both the learners and the nursing students involved.”

The initiative aligns perfectly with the faculty’s mission to promote health and well-being across all levels of society. By equipping young people with critical first aid skills, the Department of Nursing Science is not only improving emergency response capacity in Foumbot but also nurturing a generation of responsible, informed citizens.

“This project highlights the impact that universities can have through meaningful, hands-on community engagement,” said Professor Coetzee-Prinsloo. “We have a responsibility to share our expertise in ways that truly uplift others. Health education is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve lives.”

As the team looks ahead to expanding the programme in 2026 and beyond, one thing is clear: the seeds planted in this rural corner of Cameroon have the potential to grow into a continent-wide movement of empowered youth, capable of being first responders in moments that matter most.