By Towera Kumwenda

Mzuzu, October 11, Mana: Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Thursday emphasized the importance for citizens to be knowledgeable of first aid skills as important requirements in saving lives and preventing further harm in life-threatening situations.

The remarks were made by Civil-Military Cooperation Officer for MDF, Lieutenant Tiyamike Yotamu when MDF soldiers trained students at Katoto Community Day Secondary School (KCDSS) in Mzuzu of first aid skills.

 According to Yotamu, the training was part of the pre-deployment training program, which among others involves community engagement in preparation for some soldiers to be deployed to Peace Keeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"We always conduct such training because first aid provision is one of the initiatives that we undertake during Peace Keeping Mission take in protecting civilians in war ton countries, and we can ably achieve our mandate if we engage civilians themselves for them to understand that we are there for them,” said Yotamu.

He added that the initiative also aims at building stronger and positive ties between the public and MDF, thereby counteracting the misconception that soldiers cannot interact with civilians.

“The misconception that soldiers cannot interact with the citizenry has been there for Longwe are people of Malawi and such meetings with the citizenry are held to enhance this coexistence," said Yotamu.

 Yotamu added that the training was crucial for the students to acquire such skills for them to use the same in assisting and passing on the knowledge to others.

Deputy Head Teacher for KCDSS, Zelipha Kumwenda commended MDF for imparting first aid skills to the students and pledged that the students will put the knowledge and skills gained into practice.

 “Management of the school will provide all necessary materials to ensure that the students practice what they have acquired. The students learn first aid in class and this initiative will complement what they learn theoretically in class," said Kumwenda.

Emmanuel Mkandawire who is in Form 4 at the school said he will use the knowledge gained to help students and other people who may require such services.