DKMS, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, has announced the launch of its Schools Awareness Programme in KwaZulu-Natal. This programme aims to educate high school students, particularly 17- and 18-year-olds, about blood cancers and disorders and the importance of stem cell donation.
Xolani Hlongwane, Head of Department for Donor Recruitment and Data Management at DKMS Africa, emphasises the importance of this programme.
Hlongwane says, "Our mission is to create a more informed and proactive youth population. By educating high school students about blood cancer and the life-saving potential of stem cell donation, we hope to foster a generation ready to contribute to this crucial cause."
The primary goals of the DKMS Schools Programme are to:
- Increase Awareness: Educate young people about blood cancer and the importance of stem cell donation.
- Recruit Donors: Encourage learners to become registered stem cell donors once they turn 18.
- Bridge the Education Gap: Address the lack of education about blood cancer in South African communities, particularly among Black South Africans.
The DKMS Schools Awareness Programme represents a significant step towards increasing the number of stem cell donors in South Africa. By targeting high school students in KwaZulu-Natal, DKMS concludes that it aims to create a more informed and proactive youth population that can contribute to the fight against blood cancer in South Africa and beyond.
For more information, visit www.dkms-africa.org. You can also follow DKMS Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.
*Image courtesy of contributor