Building children’s resilience towards disaster through education

Children and young people currently make up more than half of the world’s population. They are growing up in a world that will be shaped by climate change and the impacts of increasing climate-induced disasters. These events can be frightening and traumatic, leaving lasting emotional and physical scars. At least half of all people who die in disasters are children, including those with disabilities and girls.

When disaster strikes, children get cut off from schooling, nutrition, and health care. They can lose critical social services and protection, while finding themselves in dangerous environments. Children whose families live in poverty are more impacted by disasters and the consequences of climate change.

However, by focusing on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) education for children in schools, we can empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to not only cope with disasters but to actively contribute to building resilient communities. Resilient children are better equipped to handle the physical and emotional challenges posed by disasters, making them more likely to recover and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

From 2022, together with partners, UNICEF provided around 1500 students and teachers in Malaysia with DRR and preparedness training and simulations, supported them to develop disaster risk management (DRM) plans, apply project-based learning to the teaching of DRR in schools. The trainings also included sessions on providing first aid and psychological first aid, practicing disaster evacuation, and maintaining safety and information exchange in emergency situations.

UNICEF's experience has shown that embracing DRR education in the school curricula not only enhances students understanding of disaster risk reduction, but the teachers as well. This contributes to a higher overall level of safety in schools.

The Role of DRR Education

Disaster Risk Reduction education in schools plays a pivotal role in nurturing children's resilience. Here are some key reasons why it's important to focus on this aspect of education:

1. Knowledge is Power: DRR education equips children with essential knowledge about disasters, including their causes, impacts, and how to stay safe. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions during emergencies, reducing their vulnerability.
2. Preparedness: DRR education teaches children how to prepare for disasters by creating emergency plans, assembling emergency kits, and knowing evacuation routes. This proactive approach not only enhances their safety but also contributes to community preparedness.
3. Mitigating Fear and Anxiety: Children who understand what to expect during disasters are less likely to experience extreme fear and anxiety when they occur. DRR education helps demystify these events, making them less terrifying for children.
4. Fostering a Culture of Safety: DRR education helps create a culture of safety in schools and communities. Children become advocates for safety, encouraging their families and peers to take precautionary measures.
5. Empowering Children as Agents of Change: When children learn about DRR, they can become active participants in disaster risk reduction efforts. They can educate their families and communities, advocate for safer infrastructure, and engage in disaster preparedness initiatives.
6. Long-term Resilience: The knowledge and skills acquired through DRR education stay with children throughout their lives. This means they will be better prepared to face future disasters and contribute to the resilience of their communities.

Implement DRR Education in Schools

To effectively build children's resilience through DRR education, a few key strategies should be considered:

1. Incorporate DRR into the Curriculum: DRR education should be integrated into the school curriculum, ensuring that it becomes a part of children's everyday learning experiences.
2. Engage in Practical Exercises: Conducting drills and exercises that simulate disaster scenarios can help children practice their knowledge and skills in a safe environment.
3. Utilize Interactive Learning Tools: Interactive learning tools, such as games, simulations, and multimedia resources, can make DRR education engaging and memorable for children.
4. Involve the Community: Encourage community involvement in DRR education by organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns that involve parents, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
5. Train Teachers: Provide teachers with the necessary training and resources to effectively teach DRR, ensuring that they can deliver the material with confidence and enthusiasm.

Building children's resilience is not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic investment in the future of our communities. By focusing on greater Disaster Risk Reduction education in schools, we can equip children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to face disasters and emerge stronger from adversity.

Empowered children are not just survivors; they are change agents who contribute to safer and more resilient societies for generations to come. It is our responsibility to ensure that DRR education becomes an integral part of every child's learning journey.