Discussion of possible disaster events in the school

Each year a series of natural hazards hits Nepal. The country experienced alternative or successive episode disaster like earthquake, flood, landslide, etc. Because of low coping capacity of the community, people are vulnerable to the consequences of disaster.

Considering the importance of disaster preparedness, GUTHI organized a training session on Disaster Risk Reduction at Viswa Niketan Higher Secondary School under Emergency Rain Project on the month of July. A total of 30 participants including students and teachers participated in the session. The objective of the training was to aware the participants about disaster terminologies. Besides, the session also focused on preparation of disaster preparation and response plan. Further, the participants were also facilitated on the concept of Disaster Risk Management Cycle. During the event, the activities that can be done before, during and after disaster were discussed. In addition, facilitators oriented on disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response plan.

After the formal session, the participants came up with the possible disaster risks in the project site. The participants depicted the possible disaster that can hit the school through poster presentation. The participants expressed their excitement citing that they training session was fruitful and they were able to learn more about disaster preparedness and response. “After the training session, I learned about the Disaster Risk Management Cycle. Moreover, instead of relying upon government, we should focus on building our own capacity,” said Pabin Khadka, a grade 9 student. Supporting the importance of the session Laxmi Bhandari, a grade 9 student said, “It is difficult to predict disaster events. Hence, we should be prepared. We should not panic but help each other during the crisis. Even I will share my learning from today to my family and community.”

 By 

Uzabi Baidar, GUTHI