​PNG First Aid Training Expands to Schools in 2026 Rollout

​PNG First Aid Training Expands to Schools in 2026 Rollout

The 2026 rollout of the First Aid in Schools (FAIS) program is now underway in PNG, with hundreds of students already trained across the National Capital District and Central Province.

The initiative, led by St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea in partnership with the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, is equipping young people with essential first aid knowledge, including emergency response and disease prevention skills.

Training began at Iarowari Agro Technical School in Sogeri, where 175 students took part in the opening sessions. Since then, more schools in Port Moresby have joined the program, including Kopkop College, Tengei, St Joseph International School, POMIS, Malolo International School and Marianville Secondary School.

According to St John Ambulance, a total of 700 students have already received training this year, with activities conducted in seven schools since the program commenced on February 16.

Since its launch in 2018, FAIS has trained more than 13,000 students across seven provinces. Plans for 2026 will see the program expand further into eight new provinces, bringing coverage to a total of 15 provinces nationwide.

Manager Community Programs, Zoe Saulep, said schools and education authorities have responded positively following stakeholder consultations. She also acknowledged the continued support of the Sir Brian Bell Foundation in enabling St John instructors to deliver the training.

This year’s program is scheduled to reach schools across multiple provinces, including NCD, Central, East New Britain, Morobe, Simbu, Western Highlands, Madang, Eastern Highlands, East Sepik, Gulf, New Ireland, Manus, West Sepik, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Milne Bay.

The FAIS program remains part of St John’s broader community outreach, aimed at strengthening emergency response skills among students throughout Papua New Guinea.

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