Preschool teachers play a vital role in nurturing young children — and that includes being prepared for medical emergencies. To strengthen their readiness, WOU, in collaboration with the Penang Kindergarten Teachers Association (Persatuan Guru-guru Tadika Pulau Pinang – PGTPP) and Pantai Hospital Penang, held a First Aid Training Workshop on 20 April 2025 at its main campus.
Attracting about 60 teachers from across Penang, the half-day session aimed to equip preschool educators with essential first aid knowledge and the confidence to respond effectively during emergencies. The goal: to help create safer learning environments for the children in their care.
Facilitated by WOU’s School of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences (SEHS), the workshop featured practical demonstrations led by experienced medical personnel from Pantai Hospital Penang. Participants received hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and other key emergency response measures relevant to young children and infants.
“In an emergency, every second counts. Knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED can make the difference between life and death. I urge everyone to learn these life-saving skills — because you never know when you’ll be someone’s only chance,” advised Poh Chun Bing, a nurse from Pantai Hospital Penang.
PGTPP President Ng Chit Peng, who also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer in WOU’s Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) programme, applauded the strong turnout and commitment shown by the teachers, many of whom gave up their Sunday morning to attend. She expressed her full support for continued collaborative activities that advance the professional development of early childhood educators.
Prof Dr Anna Christina Abdullah, Dean of SEHS at WOU, highlighted the University’s role in bridging academic learning with real-world skills:
“At WOU, we believe educators should feel confident and ready to respond when it matters most. This training gives preschool teachers the practical skills and knowledge to act quickly and responsibly in emergency situations — because a calm, informed response can save lives.”
This initiative reflects WOU’s ongoing commitment to supporting early childhood professionals through meaningful, hands-on learning that strengthens both competence and care in the classroom.
