FIRST AID 4 YOUTH
Skills that save lives, carried by the people already there.
THE CHALLENGE
In rural Manus, medical help can be hours away. When something goes wrong — an accident, a blackout, a difficult birth — the people already on the scene are often the only chance someone has, long before any health worker can reach them.
WHERE IT STARTED
This isn’t a new idea for us. In 2008, in one of Wantaim PNG’s first programmes, we delivered PADI dive safety training to 75 divers across Manus Province — a direct response to how our founder’s brother, Fred, had died the year before, diving alone with no one nearby who knew what to do.
Weeks after that training, a young diver blacked out — just like Fred had. But this time, his companions knew exactly what to do. They saved his life.
That’s stayed with us ever since: given the right skills, the people already there are the ones who save lives. Not outside responders arriving too late. The community itself.
THE PROGRAMME
In 2025, we brought that same idea to Manus youth. Working with the Division of Education and Lokobou High School, First Aid 4 Youth trained students and teachers in essential first aid — skills that matter immediately at home and in their communities, and skills that open doors afterward.
THE IMPACT
125 students and 8 teachers trained in our 2025 pilot. Two youth from the first cohort have already secured formal jobs using their new skills. This does more than teach first aid. It restores pride, builds confidence, and gives young people something real to bring home to their communities.
THE GOAL
This was designed as a pilot, with scaling in mind from the start. We’re now working toward expanding First Aid 4 Youth to more schools across Manus Province.