Students and staff at Acatec Aviation College in collaboration with Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion and Medicine recently held a blood donation drive at their workshop with a modest turnout of students and staff volunteering to donate blood.

The initiative, organized as part of the college’s Youth Development Training course, encouraged students to give back to the community through voluntary blood donation.

It specifically targeted 150 second-year students enrolled in the course, with about 120 attending.

Instructor Waieng Bunge, who coordinated the program, said the drive was designed to build social responsibility among students.

“This blood donation is a simple act that can save lives, and we want our students to understand the importance of contributing back to society beyond their academics.”

Mr. Bunge acknowledged balancing teaching duties with event coordination as a challenge but praised student participation.

He urged the wider public to consider donating blood if eligible, emphasizing that “together we can save lives and support our community.”

First-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineering student Edward Kusak said he chose to donate simply because “someone might need it,” adding that after donating several times, the experience now feels normal and rewarding.

He encouraged other youths not to be afraid, saying the first donation makes the next one easier.

For fellow student Adeline Alden, the drive was her first-time donating blood.

Despite initial fear, she said the experience left her feeling proud.

“It was really scary, but I did it anyway. It feels good knowing that I helped save a life.”

She urged other young people to take part because blood donation is safe and impactful.

Another student donor, Raynard Feeger, also giving blood for the first time, said he was motivated by the need he sees across the country.

 “There are a lot of people in Papua New Guinea who are struggling, blood is one of the resources that is low.”

He described the experience as exciting and said donating blood is a “superpower” that allows ordinary people to save lives.