Community Heroes: How two school children are saving lives in Awan village

In Awan, a village in Gogrial West County, two school children are proving that age is not a barrier to making a difference in their community. Through first aid training supported by World Vision’s Nexus Accelerated Fund (NAF), Lual and Agol have gained trust as first responders in their school and community. 

Every day during lunch breaks and after classes, children play football and other games on the school grounds. Much fun and laughter, but there are also many accidents. Minor cuts, bruises and injuries happen. Such injuries had been a cause of concern for years as their school had no clinic. 

“A teacher said: “Sometimes a child who was injured would have to wait for help or walk a long way to get treatment.” “There were no easy solutions many times.” 

That reality began to change as schools, teachers, community members and children in Awan received first aid training. For Lual and Agol, the training was a chance to help others and work toward their dream of becoming healthcare professionals. 

“I want to be a doctor one day,” Lual states. “When I help someone clean and dress a wound, and they say thank you, it makes me happy. Their words inspire me to keep helping others." 

The two have just finished their second first aid training. What started as a learning experience has become respected young leadership. Today they are often the first responders when a child is injured at school or someone in the community needs help with a minor injury. 

Their confidence and dedication have won them the respect of fellow students, instructors and parents. 

"If someone is hurt then a lot of kids call Lual and Agol straight away," other pupils said. 

Lual and Agol now have encouraged three more children from the school to join, now a team of five headed by their teacher Chol, provide first aid to both the school and in the community.

Story and photo Leju Alan Roba | Communications officer