At the branch level, youth membership accounts for approximately 60% of active members. Youth membership is recognised in the Society’s constitution.

Junior Red Cross

This programme targets mainly primary schools and some secondary schools where they are taken as an extra-curricular activity. Each JRC is registered to the branch in their district.

In 2009, the JRC component is undergoing a complete overhaul with a view to providing a structured syllabus-based delivery. The new learner/teacher support materials will incorporate relevant youth-related materials based on the New Zealand and Australian Red Cross guides for a similar programme.

Due for launch by the end of term one 2010, the revamped programme has drawn strong support from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth.

HANDWASHING

In partnership with SOPAC, the FRCS National Society has been implementing its Hand washing project in Northern schools due to the increase in number of typhoid cases in the North. With the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health in the North, primary schools were fortunate enough to be given Hand washing educational materials and practical sessions with the Red Cross Branch volunteers.

Red Cross Youth

For out-of-school youth, their membership in the branches affords them access to training in areas of service delivery that are of interest to them. Approximately 50% of trained volunteers with the Society are aged between 18 and 25 years old. These volunteers actively deliver services in the areas of disaster preparedness and response, health and welfare,  first aid and as HIV peer education.  At the branch level, youth membership accounts for approximately 60% of active members. Youth membership is recognised in the Society’s constitution.