Further to its successful sensitization campaigns in primary and secondary schools in Benin- City, Edo state, BEDC Electricity Plc. (BEDC) has further demonstrated its commitment to reducing electrical accidents and tampering with electricity equipment among school children as it recently embarked on Safety Sensitization campaigns in primary and secondary schools across Ondo state.
The sensitization campaign on electrical safety and energy management is aimed at educating school children on the danger of un safe acts like tampering with electrical installations, living and trading under high tension over-headlines, overcrowded electrical sockets, stepping/touching lines(electrical wires) etc.
The campaign, which took place in some select primary and secondary schools in Ondo and Owo, will be replicated in all the Local Government Areas in the state. Some of the pilot schools where the campaign took place were; St Patrick Mega Primary School, Ondo, St Andrew Ang. Primary School, Owo and St Louis Catholic Secondary, Ondo and Imade College, Owo, all in Ondo state.
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The Head of CSR project, Mrs. Felicia Nlemoha said: “the campaign will promote safety in the use of electricity at home, schools, road, and workplace and reduce the rate of electricity accidents and hazards amongst students. The students will become safety ambassadors in their various homes.”
She further stated that as part of give back to the society, selected schools will get educational materials from BEDC which includes branded exercise books, wall clock, and safety message snapper frames amongst other items.
In addition to the safety campaign, BEDC she said will also commence the creation of energy clubs called ‘Joules’ in secondary Schools. The growth of joules club will metamorphose into a debate competition among member schools. The winners of the competition will in turn become brand ambassadors of BEDC.
One of the objectives of the joules clubs is to groom secondary students to take up careers in the electricity industry boost to the current drive by BEDC and other distribution companies (Discos) to tackle manpower gap in the power sector.
It will also encourage students to take the STEM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in their career pact especially the females. And also bridge the knowledge gap in the power industry by educating the students on the entire electricity value chain.
In her response, the Head Girl, St Louis Catholic secondary School, Miss Ademukolu Peace appreciated BEDC for the safety sensitization campaign and donation of educational materials to the school and promised on behalf of other students, to abide by the safety tips and guidelines. She further indicated interest to study Engineering and expressed desire to work with BEDC upon graduation.
