Protecting children in schools

Nationwide campaign to target public schools in first phase

Adec blueprint defines abuse and neglect, offers instructions on how to report suspected cases

Schoolchildren in public schools will be taught how to respond in natural disasters and emergencies, as part of a nationwide initiative by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, a senior official said yesterday.

Dubbed ‘Jahez’, Arabic for ‘ready’, the scheme, which will feature TV programmes and competitions in photo shooting, story writing and painting, will target schoolchildren in government schools across the country in the first phase, Dr Jamal Mohammad Al Hosani, director-general of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, told a news conference.

Dr Al Hosani added the initiative, which will initially be in Arabic and later expanded to other languages, provides an important resource for classroom activities and awarenessraising among children and communities.

He said planning for natural disasters and emergencies is something every educational institution must consider, regardless of its size or location. “In the next two years, Jahez disaster preparedness awareness material will be in several languages and provided to private schools across the country to meet the needs of all sectors of the community.

Dr Al Hosani stressed that it is not possible to plan for every eventuality that might occur; however, preparation is key to saving lives if a disaster strikes.

“The scheme is meant to optimise a community’s capacity to maintain the safety of its school-age population in the event of a school-based or greater community crisis. It is intended to stimulate awareness of the disaster-preparedness process in schools as a part of a global, community-wide preparedness plan.”

“Schools that are well prepared for an individual emergency involving a student or staff member are more likely to be prepared for complex events such as community disasters,” he said.

Schoolchildren can watch educational TV programmes and participate in various competitions at www.jahez.ae.

Directorgeneral of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority