Japan-funded project improves disaster risk reduction awareness

Quang Nam (VNA) – Awareness of disaster risk reduction (DRR) among students and their parents in disaster-plagued areas in central Quang Nam province has been significantly improved.

It was heard at a workshop to review the outcomes of the “Capacity building for DRR at schools and communities in the coastal areas of Quang Nam province” project in Tam Ky city on December 1.

Funded by Japan-based SEEDS Asia, the project was carried out by the provincial Departments of Education and Training and Agriculture and Rural Development.

Over the past two years, it organised DRR classes for approximately 13,400 students and teachers from 219 primary and secondary schools in six coastal districts and cities – Tam Ky, Hoi An, Dien Ban, Duy Xuyen, Thang Binh and Nui Thanh.

The classes taught the students types of disasters, ways for disaster preparedness and response, fire prevention and control, first aid practice, among others.

In addition, painting contests and plays on DRR were organised for the students to learn better about the issue.

The project also held a workshop on experience sharing in DRR education between Quang Nam and eight other central city and provinces.

The provincial Department of Education and Training plans to integrate DRR education into curriculum for local primary and secondary students in the 2015-2016 school year.

Vietnam is one of the five countries most affected by climate change – especially rising sea levels. Each year, the country is hit by between five to seven storms and floods, which seriously impact 50 percent of land and 70 percent of the population.

The country i s working to integrate disaster risk management and climate change response in plans for urban development and land use, boosting the capacity of the disaster forecast and alert system and strengthening measures to effectively cope with natural disasters and climate change.-VNA