Why Every School Needs a Sickbay: The Role of Project SafeCare
A healthy child is a successful learner, yet many Nigerian schools lack basic health facilities like sickbays or first-aid stations. Without immediate care during an illness or injury, students are forced to go home or miss school altogether. This not only disrupts learning but can also have long-term effects on a child’s education and well-being.
Health For Nigeria (HFN) launched Project SafeCare to change this narrative by building and equipping fully functional sickbays in schools. Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to immediate healthcare while learning.
Why Sickbays Are Essential in Schools
Immediate Care for Emergencies: Sickbays provide quick treatment for injuries, fainting, or sudden illnesses that occur during school hours.
Reduce Absenteeism: Prompt treatment means students can often return to class, instead of going home.
Preventive Healthcare: Sickbays enable routine check-ups and basic health screenings, identifying issues early.
A Sense of Security: Parents and teachers gain confidence knowing their children are cared for while at school.
Health Education Hub: Sickbays also serve as centers for health awareness campaigns.
HFN’s Project SafeCare: Building Safe Health Spaces
Through Project SafeCare, we construct and equip school sickbays with medical supplies, first aid kits, and essential furniture. Each sickbay is staffed by trained personnel under our Nurse-A-School Program to ensure it remains functional and effective.
Key Highlights of Project SafeCare:
Over 12 school sickbays built and equipped across 6 states.
Each sickbay serves hundreds of students daily for both emergencies and routine care.
Reduced absenteeism rates by up to 50% in schools with a dedicated sickbay.
The Impact of School Sickbays on Education
Children often miss school due to minor illnesses like malaria, headaches, or stomach pains that could be treated within minutes. Having a sickbay on-site ensures these students get immediate care and return to learning quickly.
HFN has recorded a significant improvement in student attendance and academic performance in schools where sickbays are active.
How You Can Support Project SafeCare
Building and maintaining a school sickbay requires community support. Your contribution can:
₦100,000 – Provide first-aid kits and basic medical supplies.
₦500,000 – Equip a school sickbay with medical furniture and tools.
₦1,500,000 – Fully build and set up a school sickbay from scratch.
When you support Project SafeCare, you are not just funding healthcare; you are investing in children’s education and future.
Conclusion
School sickbays are lifelines for students, ensuring they remain healthy, safe, and ready to learn. With Project SafeCare, HFN is working towards a future where every Nigerian school has a safe health space.
You can help us make this dream a reality.