SANBS teaches peer promoters about the importance of blood donation
“We want the learners to lead healthy lifestyles, avoid promiscuity and remember the important role they play in helping us save lives,” said SANBS spokesperson, Shavani Sewpaul.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, as action movies have confirmed. Yet, a person does need super powers to save lives. All you need to do is donate blood.
“If it were not for people who took the time to donate blood, I would not be able stand here,” said Jan van den Berg during a South African National Blood Services (SANBS) workshop at the Pines last Friday.
Mr van den Berg lives with Fanconi anaemia, a genetic disorder which affects the bone marrow. He requires regular blood transfusions.
Addressing high school pupils from Newcastle, Ladysmith, Pongola and Madadeni, Mr van den Berg emphasised the importance of blood donations, as every pint saved a life.
The aim of the workshop was to encourage learners from different schools to volunteer to become regular blood donors, and to become peer promoters, educating fellow learners on the importance of donating blood, and to assist SANBS at blood drives at their respective schools.
The workshop didn’t only focus on the importance of donating blood.
“We want the learners to lead healthy lifestyles, avoid promiscuity and remember the important role they play in helping us save lives,” said SANBS spokesperson, Shavani Sewpaul.
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