A total of 41 Sopo Daganak managers took part in training on snakebite prevention and response on 16 October 2026 at Sopo Daganak, Napa Village, South Tapanuli. Supported by Agincourt Resources through Martabe Social Enterprise (MSE), the training involved members of the Sahabat Cerdas Association (PERSADA), the Sopo Daganak Arts Studio (SANIPODA), and the Children’s Reading Centre (TBA) management team. It aimed to improve their preparedness to help safeguard children and other members of the community using the facility.
The training was held following the discovery of a snake near Sopo Daganak and reports from children who had seen snakes in the area. Erwan Riatno from Agincourt Resources’ Emergency Response Team (ERT) delivered training on snake identification, risk prevention, mitigation measures, and initial response to venomous snakebites. The session also included an evacuation simulation, first-aid practice, and discussions on appropriate response procedures.
Dastri Sejoli Harahap, Chairperson of PERSADA and a training participant, highlighted the importance of this knowledge, given that Sopo Daganak serves as a place where children learn and take part in various activities.
“In the morning, we encountered a snake around Sopo Daganak. Previously, children had also told us that they had seen snakes. Therefore, the Sopo Daganak committee, instructors, and Children’s Reading Centre managers need to understand how to respond if an incident occurs,” Dastri said.
She added that the training helped participants understand the appropriate actions to take and practices to avoid when dealing with snakebites. This knowledge equips managers to provide an appropriate initial response before the victim receives medical attention.
Through this initiative, Agincourt Resources supports efforts to strengthen the capacity of Sopo Daganak managers to anticipate potential hazards and maintain a safe environment for community activities, particularly for children who use the facility to learn and develop their creativity.
