Kids learn on paraffin’s safety
The organisation launched its programme on August 31 and is expected to stage educational drama to at least 20 schools disadvantaged communities where household use of paraffin is widespread and paraffin-related accidents are common.
MBOMBELA-Engen KlevaKidz a national campaign that educates rural and township communities about safe handling and storage of paraffin educates Mpumalanga schools on paraffin’s safety.
The organisation launched its programme on August 31 and is expected to stage educational drama to at least 20 schools disadvantaged communities where household use of paraffin is widespread and paraffin-related accidents are common.These include (but aren’t limited to) Hammanskraal, Pankop, Phake Rebone Village and Mmametlhake . The programme is expected to run until September 11.
“As the name suggests, the KlevaKidz campaign delivers its empowering safety message through edutainment, including what to do in an emergency,” says Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Engen’s General Manager: Corporate Affairs.
“Over the years of Engen’s involvement in paraffin safety we have become aware that children aged 8 to 13 are often the primary daytime caregivers of their younger brothers and sisters. It is with this in mind that we target them with the message of safety,” says Engen Corporate Social Investment Manager, Mntu Nduvane.
The KlevaKidz production takes the form of an interactive educational stage drama that raises awareness of the dangers associated with handling and storing paraffin and how to prevent accidents from taking place. The production uses a television quiz show format as a vehicle for relaying the message, which is combined with a catchy jingle.
“We have found edutainment to be a powerful medium to stimulate children’s imagination. What is even more rewarding is to hear children of four years old still singing the paraffin safety jingle afterwards,” says Nduvane.
Engen KlevaKidz was launched 2008, and has grown rapidly over the years. By the end of 2014 the campaign had reached 139 643 learners in 391 schools. This year, the campaign is set to visit 100 new schools across the country.
Paraffin’s safety tips
• Lock it tight
• Clearly label bottles or containers that contain paraffin
• Do not re-use everyday household bottles, such as milk or juice bottles to store paraffin
• Store it away from the reach of children
• Use a funnel when dealing with paraffin and steer away from open fires or stoves. Preferably be in an area where there is a free flow of air
• Wash your hands with soap and water after using paraffin in the house
• Never use water – Use sand not water to put out fires
In an event of paraffin ingestion
• Seek medical assistance immediately
• The victim must not drink milk, water or any liquids
