Capital students trained for emergencies

Islamabad Model School for Girls holds vital training session on School Safety Day

ISLAMABAD:

A two-day training session was organised on School Safety Day at Islamabad Model School for Girls in Sector G-9.

As part of the educational sessions, students were trained in skills that would equip them to deal with emergency situations. The NDMA Member Disaster Risk Reduction, Idris Mehsud, who was present at the session highlighted that school children were able to act responsibly during the tsunami and earthquake disaster in Japan.

“In many countries, school children follow the drill during natural disasters. It is not within the power of man to prevent natural disasters from happening, but people can be protected from the effects of natural disasters,” he said.

Idris Mehsud appreciated the organisation of the safety workshop in as a good initiative. “The students must play a role in the safety of the institution and the country by learning about safety measures,” he said. “Safety needs to be a part of human daily life.”

He quoted that around 18,000 children and teachers had lost their lives in the 2005 earthquake. He also pointed out that since the APS attack, security agencies have taken steps to make schools secure and are providing training in schools in Islamabad, which is why these sessions should be organised in all institutions.

Moreover, the school principal, Raqiyya Parveen also addressed the students by saying that should train so that they would be able to deal with any kind of emergency not only at school but also at their homes.

Aga Khan Agency CEO Nusrat Nisab also spoke at the session, she said “Since the 2005 earthquake, a greater need for safety has been felt. Children should feel safe in school, which is why it is also essential to implement building codes.”

At the end of the event, honorary shields were distributed to the participants of the school safety training sessions.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2024.