“Henry – First Aid for Children” Pilot Project Launched in Ukraine on World First Aid Day
Today, on the second Saturday of September, we mark World First Aid Day. The Ukrainian Red Cross is once again highlighting the importance of knowing how to provide first aid and, with the support of the Norwegian Red Cross, has launched the pilot project “Henry – First Aid for Children”. The programme will be introduced in pre-school educational institutions across three regions — Ternopil, Chernihiv, and Mykolaiv — with 75 kindergartens taking part (25 in each region).
The aim of the programme is to teach children the basics of first aid from an early age — an investment in the health and safety of future generations.
The first group of kindergarten staff in the Ternopil region have already begun training to pass on their knowledge to preschoolers. Developed by the Norwegian Red Cross and delivered by Ukrainian Red Cross instructors, the programme equips educators to teach young children:
- what to do in case of a nosebleed;
- how to help with minor injuries;
- how to respond if someone falls from a bicycle or scooter.
Lessons will be delivered in a playful, age-appropriate format, using a specially designed puppet doll named Henry, along with cartoons and themed posters. This child-friendly approach will help children quickly grasp essential first aid skills, respond appropriately in emergencies, and learn to look after one another.
“We are convinced that children are capable of learning important skills even at preschool age. The Henry programme gives them the opportunity to feel confident in their actions and understand how they can help others before the doctors arrive,” said Nadiia Yamnenko, Head of the First Aid Department at the Ukrainian Red Cross.
