As World Stroke Day on 29 October 2024 draws near, South African primary schools are being called to join the FAST Heroes initiative, a global health education programme designed to teach children how to fight stroke and save lives. Supported by the World Stroke Organisation and expanding its reach nationwide, this initiative is transforming young learners into heroes who can act quickly in emergencies.
Targeting children aged 5 to 9 years, FAST Heroes equips them with essential knowledge on how to recognise the key signs of a stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech impairment. Through a five-week adventure filled with engaging and interactive activities, the programme teaches life-saving skills in a fun, memorable way. Animated characters, like superhero grandparents and their grandchildren, Timmy and Tanya, help children understand the urgency of calling 112, South Africa’s emergency number, when a stroke is suspected. The programme is entirely free for schools to implement, and many schools have extended it to include pre-primary and older students as well.
Building on its success in the Western Cape, FAST Heroes has now reached 125 schools and nearly 20,000 children across South Africa, with 10,000 students participating just in the past year. Educators and healthcare professionals have praised the initiative for its community impact. Dr. De Vries Basson of Karl Bremer Hospital sees it as a powerful tool for uniting communities in the fight against strokes and other chronic diseases.
Wendy Freitas, a teacher at Loreto School Queenswood and winner of the International FAST Heroes Amazing Teacher Award 2024, shared her excitement about the programme: “FAST Heroes provides resources that make teaching both effective and enjoyable. It’s a programme that truly resonates with the students, making learning both engaging and impactful.”
Mr. George Scola, Founder and CEO of the Stroke Survivors Foundation, emphasised the long-term benefits: “Thanks to FAST Heroes, in 5, 10, or 15 years, everyone will know what a stroke is, recognise the signs, and understand how to act FAST to prevent further damage to the survivor.”
FAST Heroes invites schools across South Africa to take part in this life-saving campaign. By empowering young children with the tools they need, we can create a future where quick action saves lives, one grandparent at a time. To register your school or class, or to learn more, visit Fast Heroes.