Beyond the Injury: A Journey from Pain to Purpose in School Safety

By Faith Sonya

One Friday morning changed my life forever.

Today, when people see me walking with support, they see a person living with a disability. What they do not see is how quickly life can change. Before March 2023, I was active, independent, and passionate about fitness. Like many people, I never imagined that a single incident could alter the course of my life.

On 3rd March 2023, I was running an errand at a school in Nairobi. The school compound is large, and as I moved from one end to another, I decided to jog along a paved pathway near the basketball court. I was dressed for the gym and looking forward to my workout later that morning.

Moments after I started jogging, I suddenly fell.

The pain was immediate and overwhelming. I could not sit up or determine exactly where I was injured. I remained on the ground, unable to move. Students were arriving at school, and after some time, a security guard came to check on me. I contacted a doctor friend, who advised me not to move until I had been properly assessed.

As more students and teachers gathered around, I noticed that my left leg was severely swollen and visibly deformed. Some students thoughtfully brought a stretcher and tried to help. Their compassion in that moment remains memorable.

I called an ambulance, but despite being nearby, it took approximately an hour to arrive because of traffic. During that time, there was little that could be done to manage the situation. Eventually, paramedics arrived, provided pain relief, stabilized my leg, and took me to the hospital.

An X-ray later confirmed that I had suffered a femoral fracture.

What followed was a long and difficult journey of treatment, recovery, and adjustment. More than three years later, I am still unable to walk well without support. The injury changed not only my physical abilities but also my understanding of safety, preparedness, and the responsibilities institutions have toward those within their care.

What This Experience Taught Me

My experience revealed several important lessons about school safety and emergency preparedness.

1. Emergencies Happen Without Warning

No one begins their day expecting a life-changing injury. Schools prepare for academic success, but they must also prepare for unexpected emergencies involving students, staff, visitors, and contractors.

2. Good Intentions Are Not Enough

Many people wanted to help, and I remain grateful for their concern. However, concern alone cannot replace proper emergency response systems, trained personnel, and clear procedures.

3. Every Minute Matters

The delay in receiving professional medical assistance highlighted the importance of preparedness. In an emergency, the actions taken during the first few minutes can significantly affect outcomes.

4. Care Should Continue Beyond the Incident

An emergency does not end when an injured person leaves the school compound. Follow-up and concern for the wellbeing of those affected are important aspects of a caring and responsible school culture.

Recommendations for Safer Schools

Based on my experience, I believe schools can strengthen safety by taking several practical steps:

• Ensure trained health personnel are available whenever students and staff are on campus.
• Maintain fully stocked and regularly inspected first-aid kits.
• Provide basic emergency response and first-aid training for all staff members.
• Establish partnerships with reliable emergency medical service providers.
• Develop and regularly practice emergency response procedures.
• Appoint dedicated school safety personnel responsible for identifying risks, coordinating safety programs, and promoting a culture of prevention.
• Conduct regular safety audits of school facilities, pathways, playgrounds, sports areas, and buildings.

Turning Pain into Purpose

While I cannot change what happened to me, I can help prevent similar experiences for others.