DISASTER RISK REDUCTION THROUGH EDUCATION

ALLEN CHRISTOPHER M. REYES

Schools play an important role in disaster risk reduction. Schools educate the community and often provide shelter during a disaster.

Primary school students should learn about climate change and disaster risk reduction.

Students and teachers must focus on five key areas:

• climate change, disasters and its impacts on people’s lives and livelihoods

• students understanding on climate change

• the role of students and teachers on reducing the risk of disasters and adapting to climate change

• identifying gaps in existing curriculum regarding climate change and disaster risk reduction; and

• discussing how information can be best presented to school students

A helpful insight into the students’knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding disaster risk reduction and climate change as well as valuable contributions for designing education materials in the future are requisites. Students should possess a good understanding on climate change and able to identify reasons such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

Overall students should display a good understanding on what to do before, during and after disasters.

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The author is Teacher III at Macabebe Elementary School, Macabebe East District