All of us have probably wondered at one time or another how we would react if someone around us were suddenly injured. Life is unpredictable, so being as prepared as possible could save someone's life. Therefore, on December 16, 2023, YES alumnus Mouhamed Badji '13 and Red Cross trainer Mrs. Penda Seck held a first aid training for YES alumni in Dakar.

Together, they taught the importance of first aid in assisting a person in danger. They presented various potential scenarios and the "do's and don'ts" in each case. Alumni were also allowed to practice different techniques to prepare themselves better if ever confronted with an emergency. "It (first aid) could save lives, and everyone needs to be trained," said one of the alumni. "Being trained in first aid is a civic duty that everybody needs to fulfill."

During the training, the alumni were taught how to act and what to do in every situation through various simulations. The trainer specified the difference between what to do when a person is injured and unconscious and what to do if someone is injured but conscious. The trainees expressed how they never realized there could be life-altering decisions for each situation. Each alum simulated moves in various contexts while the trainers guided them.

The training also covered specific matters such as how to help someone with an asthma attack and intervene if there is a fire in a house. To educate the alumni on these different matters, the trainers also had to debunk certain myths or practices that society would say are correct, while they are actually not true. The training was very detailed and hands-on, so the alumni would be able to find their footing when they faced all the various emergencies.

The activity inspired alumni to feel the need to share this knowledge. They became aware of the importance of first aid and how crucial it can be to master these acts. As alums hoped to share these new tools with family and friends, they were also determined to help others fulfill this civic duty. They expressed their desire to reproduce this activity for high/middle schoolers and different members of the community. All of these deserve to be taught how one simple act can save the life of another. The alumni's devotion to their community is another step towards a more significant general positive impact throughout Senegal.

Mouhamed Badji (YES 2012-2013, Senegal, placed by CIEE in Tacoma, WA)