Disaster management: Teachers trained in keeping schools safe

Most casualties in natural disasters said to be inside educational institutes

PESHAWAR: Teachers from seminaries and schools were trained on how to respond to emergency situations in a two-day workshop held at University Town. The workshop concluded Wednesday.

Around 27 female teachers from various seminaries and state-run schools attended the workshop. Peace Education and Development (PEAD) Foundation organised the workshop in collaboration with UNICEF under its ongoing Social Cohesion and Resilience (SCR) program.

“Most casualties in natural disasters have been reported to occur in schools and seminaries. Therefore, a safety training there is indispensible,” PEAD Program Manager Tariq Hayat said during the session. He said to build an understanding of safety and resilience, spreading awareness and increasing the knowledge of teachers and ulema in the field is vital.



“It is imperative for them [teachers] to learn about new methods to create a safe learning and teaching environment,” Tariq said. He added it was the collective responsibility of all institutions to raise awareness among students regarding disaster risk management. “This will help minimise the risks and damage caused in disaster situations.”

PEAD coordinators Faisal Jalil and Fauzia Khan said the main aim of the workshop was to equip teachers with knowledge to keep students safe during an emergency, and take appropriate steps to minimise all possible risks and hazards.

At the end of the workshop, first aid boxes, fire extinguishers, DRR kits and other relevant equipment was provided to participating institutions.

One of the teachers said she appreciated the fact that teachers from both schools and seminaries participated in the workshop.  “I also think the government should hold similar workshops so we can learn new ways to keep the school environment safe,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th,  2015.