As part of the "Green School" project, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST), in collaboration with UNICEF, organized an interactive, educational competition for students titled "120 Minutes to Rescue." In the Balkan Province (Balkan Velayat), the event was hosted by Specialized School No. 22.
The primary goal of this initiative is to equip the younger generation with the skills to act appropriately in critical situations, refine rapid-response procedures, and teach the fundamentals of first aid.
Four teams, one common goal: Four teams, each consisting of five participants, competed for the title of top safety experts. Over the course of two intense hours—the "120 minutes" referenced in the title—the students demonstrated not only their theoretical knowledge but also their ability to work together efficiently, quickly, and calmly.
The competition consisted of several key stages:
Theoretical preparation: testing knowledge of how to contact emergency services, assess risks, and follow basic safety protocols during natural disasters and emergencies. Practical first aid: practicing skills such as stopping bleeding, immobilizing injuries, and evacuating victims. Teamwork: simulating scenarios where the final outcome depended on the coordinated actions of all five team members.
"Green School": Safety and Environmental Awareness
The "Green School" project has already established itself as an effective platform for environmental education and for preparing children to face environmental challenges. The joint efforts of the National Society for Civil Protection and Technical Safety (NOKPT) and UNICEF help schoolchildren not only to treat nature with care but also to be prepared to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event of natural or man-made emergencies.
"Such events help transform complex safety rules into an accessible and engaging practical experience. The skills acquired today could play a crucial role in real-life situations," the organizers noted.
By the end of the two-hour marathon, all participants had gained valuable practical experience, while the winners and runners-up received commemorative certificates and prizes. The competition held at School No. 22 once again demonstrated that safety literacy and the ability to help others can—and should—be fostered from a young age, starting in school.
