The kits have been developed by first aid teacher Margit Pärn and show children first aid techniques in an age-appropriate manner. They include videos, situational maps, and games as well as information about how to contact the emergency services.

Pärn said in emergencies, knowledge empowers individuals to react calmly.

Tallinn's Meelespea Kindergarten prepared additional online educational material to accompany the kits. Over 150 kindergarten teachers have now learned how to use the first aid training program. 

The Estonian Center for International Development (ESTDEV) funded 70 training kits for Ukraine, which were delivered last fall 

Some of the kits have been sent to Zhytomyr, the region Estonia is helping to rebuild. Estonian Minister of Education Kristina Kallas (Eesti 200) visited Ukraine to present the Estonian-built Ovruch Kindergarten with their first aid kit training kit.  

"This program is extremely relevant because teaching children the basics of first aid develops their practical skills and cultivates humanity, a sense of responsibility and the ability to help others in crisis situations. I am grateful to Estonia for supporting our country in such difficult times," said Galyna Shymanska, secretary for the Zhytomyr City Government.  

Kristi Kulu, ESTDEV's program manager for education, said teaching children first aid is not just about passing on practical skills.

"It is an investment in a more caring and responsible society. Our aim is to provide Ukrainian teachers and children with the support they need to better cope with difficult situations and to build self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. It is a pleasure to see how Estonia's experience and methodology is reaching across borders to different kindergartens and helping to shape a safer future," she said.  

Though this first aid training program first began in Estonia in 2006, it has since developed into an extensive international cooperation project. In 2020, the Archimedes Erasmus+ Foundation launched the project "I am a brave and helpful person" using the program's framework, bringing together trainers from different countries.  

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