Training knowledge on natural disaster response for teachers

A workshop was conducted on August 21 by the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (MARD), in partnership with the Department of Facilities under the Ministry of Education and Training, and Acecook Vietnam. The purpose of the workshop was to apply the integration of natural disaster response knowledge into educational subjects and training activities for secondary-school students.

The objective of the training session was to provide guidance to full-time officials, administrators, and teachers from secondary schools in five provinces in the Central Highlands region. The focus was on imparting knowledge and skills related to the organization, deployment, and integration of natural disaster prevention, control, environmental protection, and climate change into the curriculum of various subjects and educational activities for secondary school students.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Disaster and Dike Management Authority, Vietnam is a nation that experiences a multitude of natural disasters.

Since the commencement of 2023 to the present day, the nation has had a total of 882 natural calamities, resulting in the unfortunate loss or disappearance of 83 individuals, and causing economic damages amounting to about 1,300 billion VND. The intensity and severity of heat in recent years have surpassed the long-term average. Notably, there have been numerous instances of record-breaking heatwaves during the same period in May, specifically in North and Central Vietnam. For instance, in Tuong Duong (Nghe An), temperatures have soared to 44.2 degrees Celsius, surpassing historical records nationwide.

In the Central Highlands region, there have been instances of landslides caused by heavy rainfall. Notably, on July 30, at Bao Loc Pass in Lam Dong province, a severe landslide occurred resulting in the unfortunate burial of three policemen and one citizen. Additionally, on the morning of June 29, landslides in Da Lat city led to the loss of two lives and injuries to five individuals. These incidents have also caused significant damage to various infrastructure works, roads, and reservoirs in the affected areas.

As to Mr. Tien's assertion, following the occurrence of a natural catastrophe, it engenders both physical and emotional distress, as well as property destruction, within the affected region and its inhabitants. Particularly, individuals who are considered vulnerable, such as children, are disproportionately impacted by these adverse consequences.

The Prime Minister has granted approval for the implementation of the "Raising public awareness disaster and community-based risk management, by 2030" Project, with the aim of assisting families, schools, and communities in taking proactive measures and preemptive action in the face of natural catastrophes. This initiative includes child-centered activities as part of its overall strategy.

The purpose of the training program is to provide school administrators and teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively promote and distribute information on disaster avoidance in secondary schools. According to Mr. Tien, the Organizing Committee aims to facilitate the exchange, discussion, and sharing of experiences pertaining to innovative approaches to promoting community engagement. This initiative seeks to establish a conducive and beneficial environment for students, garnering the attention and support of authorities at various levels and educational institutions. The primary focus lies in disaster risk prevention, response, and mitigation.

The workshop will facilitate the development of new solutions for improving the effectiveness of local disaster prevention and control efforts in the future. This will be achieved through realistic assessments, valuable lessons learned, effective communication, and widespread education dissemination. The ultimate goal is to progress toward the establishment of a society that is resilient to natural disasters.

During the training session, the delegates demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of various subjects, including the integration of disaster prevention and control knowledge into the curriculum for junior high school students. They also discussed the incorporation of natural disaster prevention and control knowledge into course curricula and experiential activities. Additionally, the delegates explored the implementation of extracurricular activities aimed at promoting awareness of disaster prevention and control.