Saving lives: Disaster preparedness not part of curriculum

Schools, colleges rarely conduct emergency drills.

ISLAMABAD:

In memory of the October 8, 2005 earthquake, the Global System of Integrated Studies School and College held an earthquake drill for its students at its primary and montessori branches.

During the drill, teachers told students what to do when an earthquake strikes during school hours.

Schools and other educational institutions, like GSIS, rarely undertake drills to prepare students and teachers for disasters.

There are no safety measures in the capital’s educational institutions despite the fact that Islamabad is situated on a fault line and has witnessed several earthquakes of varying intensities. In one of the deadliest earthquakes in Pakistan’s history in 2005, students of schools in Kashmir and adjacent areas were the worst affected.

According to an official of the Federal Directorate of Education, it has other ‘more important’ issues to deal with as educational institutes are struggling to provide basic facilities. “It is a sensitive issue and as Pakistan has been frequently hit by small and large tremors, it should be included in the curriculum and  a drill and emergency response training sessions should also be conducted nationwide,” said Nadeem Janjua, a professor at Islamabad Model College for Boys H-8.

He was of the view that as global warming, population explosion and other environmental issues are being discussed in the media and educational institutions, students should be taught how to save their lives in case of an earthquake to spread awareness.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2013.