The Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Programme is pleased to announce the launch of the CommunitAID project, a cross-border initiative aimed at enhancing first aid knowledge and skills among teachers and students in Romania and Ukraine.
The official launch conference took place on March 14, 2025, in Baia Mare, Romania. The event gathered representatives of local authorities, educators, first aid experts, and officials from both Romania and Ukraine. Distinguished guests included Crina Chilat, Deputy, Ioan Doru Dăncuș, Mayor of Baia Mare, and Mihai Pop, General School Inspector, all of whom emphasized the project’s crucial role in equipping educational institutions with essential first aid competencies.
With a total funding of €258,041.70 from the Interreg VI-A NEXT HU-SK-RO-UA Programme, the CommunitAID project is committed to enhancing emergency preparedness in schools. The initiative will provide specialized first aid training for teachers and students, ensuring that educational institutions are better equipped to handle emergencies.
“First aid education is an essential step in building safer communities,” said Ioana Petreuit, President of the Free Syndicate of Education Maramureș (SLIMM). “Through CommunitAID, we aim to equip teachers and students not only with vital first aid knowledge but also with the confidence to act in critical situations. Every correct action learned today has the potential to save a life tomorrow.”
The project, running throughout 2025, will involve the following key activities:
- March-April: Training sessions for teachers in Baia Mare, Sighetu Marmației, and Ivano-Frankivsk.
- May-June: Recruitment of schools for the awareness campaign Be a Rescuer, Not a Spectator! and selection of institutions that will host first aid training points.
- September-October: Equipping schools with first aid kits and conducting training sessions for students, including competitions to encourage participation.
- October-November: Launch of permanent training points and a mobile training caravan offering free courses and transportation for students.
The project will train 90 teachers as certified first aid instructors, conduct hands-on courses in 20 schools, and establish six permanent training centers. Additionally, a dedicated minibus will be made available to support training activities in various locations.
“In these challenging times for Ukraine, support from our Romanian partners is more valuable than ever,” said Mariia Pochynok, Director of the Center for Educational Innovation in Ivano-Frankivsk. “CommunitAID is not just about education—it’s about solidarity and how cross-border partnerships can contribute to safer communities. This initiative demonstrates that together, we can create a more secure future for our students and teachers.”
The CommunitAID project is expected to directly benefit over 1,500 individuals across both regions. By equipping educators and students with essential first aid skills, the initiative will contribute to a safer learning environment and better preparedness in emergency situations.
For further information, please contact SLIMM at prim-ajutor@slimm.ro or slimm@slimm.ro.
