As many as 308,555 elementary students from public and private schools at the countrywide level have benefitted from the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program “Aqdar”, for the Prevention and Safety Sector. The program was carried out by the General Directorate of Civil Defense at the Ministry of Interior, during the academic year 2014-2015.

The program included awareness-raising lectures about public safety that targeted 570 public and private schools, aimed at acquainting students with security and public safety requirements. The lectures included movies, illustrations and practical applications on the means to deal with incidents, such as the use of the different types of fire extinguishers; safety and security features in vehicles; safety requirements in buildings and towers; the different evacuation procedures to be followed on hearing a fire alarm, ; and the proper ways to report accidents on 999 or 997.

Major General Jassem Muhammad Al Marzouqui, Civil Defense General Commander-in-chief at the Ministry of Interior, stressed the Commitment of the Civil Defense leadership through Aqdar” Committee’s programs for the Prevention and Safety Sector, to encourage positive behaviors amongst students by urging them to abide by the prevention and safety rules at home, in schools, and on the road; and during public emergencies and disasters. “Those national efforts will contribute to nurturing a generation capable of assuming responsibility, protecting the gains, and enhancing the security and safety of the country, according to the Integration Doctrine espoused by the country’s institutions,” he said.

For his part, Colonel Expert Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Al Dabal, General Coordinator of the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program “Aqdar”, praised the efforts and contributions of the Civil Defense, as well as the events that have been implemented in accordance with the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program’s objectives. “These efforts will contribute to developing personal skills, promoting national awareness, enhancing health and public safety awareness and crime prevention,” he noted. In conclusion, Colonel Al Dabal expressed his hope for further cooperation and coordination with the Civil Defense departments.