English
Kinyarwanda
About 200 pupils from Path to Success International School in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District, were on October 17, equipped with basic fire fighting skills during their tour at Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jean Baptiste Seminega who received the pupils, asked them to be RNP’s goodwill ambassadors in the quest to educate the public about prevention of fire outbreaks.
At the Police, the children were told of different types of fires, causes of fire outbreaks, how to prevent or put out fires, how different gadgets work and safety precautions in case of a fire outbreak.
ACP Seminega said that for security reasons, its paramount to equip children with fire detection and fire fighting skills since they may be the first to detect it or even be the first victims.
He told the pupils that “it is easier to prevent fires than to put out fires”
In an interview later after the pupils toured the Fire and Rescue Brigade, ACP Seminega said, “The pupils exhibited an incredible willingness to learn through the questions they asked – and this improves their understanding and confidence.”
The school principal, Judith Nyamoga, said the study tour also targeted staff members and pupils who she said are expected to transfer the knowledge to parents and colleagues in their communities.
She said the school had installed fire extinguishers near the classrooms.
One of the pupil Cherissa Isheja Ndabukiye said that she learnt that fires were dangerous to human and property and promised to always be cautious with potential fire sources.
Greta Enzo Akariza another vividly excited pupil said she was happy with the trip and said she “hopes to be a firefighter to saves lives”
Candice Isimbi Kayitare noted that she was glad she learnt to utilize a fire extinguisher, “I will ask my father to buy a fire extinguisher at home.”
ACP Seminega also appealed to school authorities to call Police for timely intervention on toll free line 112, 111, and 0788311224 in case they have spotted fire incidents.
