Lessons that save lives: safety class in Pivdenne

Pivdenne, like other port cities in the Odesa region, became a target for missile and drone attacks during the full-scale invasion. A safety class was created at Pivdenne Lyceum No. 2; previously, the school only held theoretical classes on how to act in a dangerous situation. Since 2023, teachers have been teaching how to distinguish a cluster munition from a mine, and using dummies to train in CPR and tourniquet application. They told ShoTam how this happens.

Danger comes from both sea and air

"Every day we hear air raids and explosions. Russians often hit civilian infrastructure and ports. Unfortunately, people are dying because of this, so we need to teach the younger generation how to act," says Alla Baitas, a teacher at Pivdenne Lyceum #2.

The first safety class was opened in November 2022 at the Sychaiv gymnasium. It was initiated by the local education department.

"We reacted quickly because we realized that with the outbreak of hostilities, such classes should be in the community. The safety class at Pivdenne Lyceum No. 2 was opened in September 2023," says Maya Titovska, deputy head of the education department at Pivdenne City Council. The local budget was used to renovate the classroom and buy the necessary equipment.

Alla Baitas at a safety lesson. Photo: ShoTam

In the classroom, teachers explain what to do when an air raid alarm sounds or when they see explosive objects and how to provide first aid if someone is injured. They teach children in a playful way. Alla Baitas explains: "There is our hero on the wall, Patron the dog, who is very popular with the children and always cheers them up."

Three golden rules of safety

Fourth-grade student Olesia Zaporozhskaya says that it was from her safety class that she remembered that if you see a mine, you should warn adults and stay away from it, because it can be dangerous. "We taught three golden rules: do not approach, do not touch, and dial 101," she says.

There are models in the classroom, which, for example, can be used to show children how to perform CPR, and stands and models have many items that can be examined, held in hands, and even played with.

"The entrance to this classroom is free. Every teacher can conduct a safety lesson here. We also have an after-school club at our school, where children from different schools in the city also study," says Olena Komarova, the lyceum's principal.

There are plans to create safety classes in every school

The community has been cooperating with the USAID Hoverla Project for two years. As a result, local government representatives have been trained on how to properly budget for security solutions.

During this time, the community has also received technical assistance: generators, firefighting equipment, chainsaws, a crusher, and a lighting tower.

Olena Kamalova-Kutynets. Photo: ShoTam

"However, the main thing they help us with is figuring out how to provide services to the community more transparently and better. We have involved them in decision-making, and this shows that every resident's opinion is important," says Olena Kamalova-Kutynets, deputy head of the Pivdenne City Council 's economic department.

According to Maya Titovska, the community plans to establish advisory bodies, as well as youth and public councils. And, of course, new safety classes:

"We plan to create safety classes in every school - there are four more to go. At the session, we will approve the program for 2025-2027."

Юлія Варчук