Life Lessons

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Developing responsible citizens aim of fire cadet programme

Fire Officer Fernando McAllister has recommended that the Junior Fire Cadet Programme held at the Arch Hall Fire Station, Arch Hall, St. Thomas not be†interpreted as a casual experience.

In an overview of the programme, McAllister said the aim was to provide good working habits and to build positive attitudes among all members enrolled rather than an experience of leisure.

"It is hoped that each cadet will leave this programme with a better sense of responsibility, and that he or she will be more accountable for his or her actions within the family unit and in the community," McAllister said.

He added that he hoped each participant would have a better idea of where they would fit into society with their future goals by exposing the cadets to the skills of firefighters and the rules fire service employees followed to accomplish success.

"The five-week programme is designed to instill in each participant a sense of character, confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline... (It) is very thorough and consists of practical and theoretical exercises," McAllister said.

Twenty-five 13- to 15-year-olds participate in varying aspects of training during the summer, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation in emergencies, in addition to techniques for handling and working with nozzles, fire hoses as well as other drills.

He added that the cadets would have educational classes such as fire prevention, fire protection, team building and discipline.

"The classroom is also an important part of the programme. Every classroom and exercise training session is geared towards showing the cadet the importance of teamwork, discipline, goal setting and respect for themselves and the community," McAllister explained. "The cadets will be taught the organisational structure of the Fire Service, what it takes to be a firefighter and the importance of sound education."

Other sessions were based on water safety awareness, hosted by members of the†National Conservation Commission among presentations delivered from various entities such as the Sanitation Service Authority, Environmental Protection Department, and the National Council of Substance Abuse.

"As part of the programme, there will be a one-day hike which will assist the cadets in survival techniques. The camp will consist of three nature walks, and testing the cadets' physical endurance and mental strength," McAllister said.

He noted the students would have to prepare and present a group project on a community or topical issue. (AA/EM)

Source: news.barbadostoday.bb

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