BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NTONDOZI– Technology and modern emergency response methods are helping bring lifesaving knowledge closer to Emaswati children as the Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency Service (ENFRES) intensified its “Safety First” campaign in Ntondozi Inkhundla.
The outreach to Khalangilile Primary School and Ntondozi Primary School took place on April 10, 2026, where officers delivered practical demonstrations on fire and water safety just as schools close for the holidays. The timing was deliberate — ensuring that pupils leave school equipped with knowledge they can apply immediately at home.
The Ntondozi visit follows a similar intervention in Sigwe Inkhundla, where ENFRES conducted a major water safety campaign at Dicapol and Mbava Primary Schools around Hluti. These coordinated visits form part of a broader national effort to empower young people with safety awareness across communities.
Understanding that safety is a shared responsibility, ENFRES worked alongside the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Scuba Divers, World Vision Eswatini, and the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society. The partnership ensured pupils received expert guidance from professionals experienced in real-life rescue situations.
A key focus of the session was water safety at home. Officers warned that danger is often found in ordinary places — buckets, basins, drums, and small containers of water that children encounter daily. Pupils were taught that even shallow water can become life-threatening without supervision.
The REPS Scuba Divers further highlighted the dangers of rivers and streams, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise unpredictably. Pupils were cautioned never to approach rivers alone and to always inform adults of their whereabouts.
Fire prevention lessons formed another critical part of the programme. ENFRES officers demonstrated how to identify fire hazards around the home and explained how children should react calmly and safely during emergencies.
As schools close, ENFRES extended its message beyond classrooms to parents and guardians across the Kingdom. The service urged families to increase supervision during the holidays, noting that simple daily precautions can prevent tragic incidents.
Parents were advised never to leave children unattended near water, to empty open containers after use, and to exercise caution around cooking fires and electrical outlets.
The visits to Ntondozi and Sigwe demonstrate how community-focused education continues to build a culture of safety among the Kingdom’s young citizens. Through such initiatives, ENFRES and its partners are shaping a generation that understands the value of prevention, awareness, and responsibility.
#EswatiniPositiveNews #ENFRES #REPS #WorldVisionEswatini #Baphalali #SafetyFirst #StaySafe #YouthEmpowerment #Siyinqaba
(Courtesy Pic)
