Nearly 3 million people worldwide may have been killed in the past 20 years due to natural disasters. 95% of the total disaster related deaths worldwide occur in developing countries in which India has the second largest share of casualties. This clearly indicates the primary need for awareness amongst the mass. Globalization and modernization have also increased the role and responsibilities of the governments. Realizing the need for prompt awareness and education of disasters, Government of India has started taking effective measures which also include disaster management being added in the curriculum of schools and other educational institutions
The Education wing of AADM, has a clear objective of spreading disaster awareness amongst more and more people. AADM also concentrates on educating the future adults who also act as potential hubs of every family today. Teaching a child also contributes to the information of the parents who are involved in their children’s studies. This education inadvertently results in increased interest and awareness across the mass.
The Central Board of Secondary Education is a national institution which has integrated Disaster management in its school curriculum. Simultaneously the Maharashtra State education ministry has also initiated the process of incorporating disaster management in the school curriculum. In addition, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Scouts and Guides, National Yuva Kendra (NYK) Civil defense, the Sainik board have also considered Disaster Management in their course curriculum. Efforts of the government, strengthened by the society initiatives on awareness and preparedness are a very strong response to any disaster or its aftermath. AADM believes in being alert and prepared for adversities and teaches the same during its disaster management courses to children and adolescents.
Resources
A customized basic studyware which includes effective understanding and practice of disaster management by the children and youngsters
Objective
- A strong awareness and preparedness for a disaster amongst children and teenagers is the primary objective of this project
- Conducting regular practice through mock drill of the Rescue Methods including evacuation techniques that is conducted in schools and colleges on a regular basis
Methodology and Implementation
- At present, the course is conducted for college students and teachers
- The course includes both theory as well as practice sessions and is conducted in a classroom and open ground provided by the concerned institution
- Theory lectures providing information on disasters and their consequences along with case studies of disasters and the morals.
- The course also attempts to provide an insight on the various methods of managing disasters caused by Fire, Flood along with Manmade disasters
- Practical sessions of the courseware include rescue methods using Ropes, providing medical First Aid like CPCR, making emergency stretchers, control and communication techniques, etc
- At the end of the course a 3 way evaluation is conducted which includes Written examination, Oral assessment and a Practical test to assess the understanding of various rescue techniques of the students
- All the students of the institution are eligible to participate in this course