{"id":355184,"date":"2026-01-14T14:16:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:16:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=355184"},"modified":"2026-01-14T14:16:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:16:20","slug":"dominicas-education-ministry-collaborates-with-israaid-for-first-aid-and-cpr-training-of-47-local-teachers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/dominicas-education-ministry-collaborates-with-israaid-for-first-aid-and-cpr-training-of-47-local-teachers\/","title":{"rendered":"Dominica’s education ministry collaborates with IsraAID for first aid and CPR training of 47 local teachers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Teacher first aid\/CPR training. Photo: IsraAID<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, in partnership with IsraAID, successfully wrapped up a two-day intensive First Aid and CPR certification program tailored for teachers at both primary and secondary levels.<\/p>\n

A press release from IsraAID specified that the initiative trained 47 educators from across the nation, equipping them with vital lifesaving competencies to foster a safer environment within schools and the broader community. The participating teachers received comprehensive instruction in Basic First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the correct operation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Upon completion, they will be officially certified through the St. John Association of Saint Lucia, a recognized authority in first aid standards.<\/p>\n

Robert Guiste, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the enduring significance of this effort: “On Thursday, January 8th and Friday, January 9th, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with IsraAID Dominica, conducted first aid and CPR training with 47 teachers from primary and secondary schools across the island. The training was intended to increase schools’ capacity to respond effectively to medical emergencies and accidents. This initiative aligns with our national priorities for building a safer, more resilient education system.”<\/p>\n

He further elaborated, “In addition to the training sessions, Cabinet Secretariat will be procuring first aid kits and fire extinguishers for all schools. Moreover, considering the safety of our TVET teachers, personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided for teachers engaging the skill areas. The Ministry intends to continue with the first aid and CPR training; we will be conducting another session for at least 50 more teachers by the end of January 2026 and during the summer, we’re hoping to train at least another 50 more teachers. This training that was recently concluded costed in excess of $8,000 and was covered by IsraAID Dominica. We wish to thank them for this initiative and look forward to a continued partnership.”<\/p>\n

Wynela Francis, Senior Programme Officer at IsraAID, expressed her enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration: “As we begin the new year, we are happy to continue to support the Ministry of Education on this timely initiative. First Aid and CPR training is a lifesaving skill and increasing the number of trained staff will directly contribute to increased school safety and emergency preparedness.”<\/p>\n

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Teacher first aid\/CPR training. Photo: IsraAID.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the release, the training sessions were led by a new group of instructors, who were previously trained through IsraAID\u2019s and the Office of Disaster Management\u2019s (ODM) capacity-building programs scheduled for 2025. These facilitators, many of whom are also members of the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services, symbolize a strategic move to expand the pool of qualified First Aid trainers on the island, said the organization.<\/p>\n

It also highlighted that the collaboration underscores a sustainable approach to disaster readiness, “utilizing local
\nexpertise to build long-term resilience within the Dominican education system.”<\/p>\n