Stop disasters – child’s play in Pakistan

By Shazzia Haris

Recently I happened to hit a wonderful game site called “Stop Disasters” – it’s a simple simulation game by UNISDR for children explaining how important it is for our children to be educated about disasters and their human, social and economic impacts. The game simply tell the children that disasters take life, they destroy economy and livelihoods of rich and poor alike and yet, children can help save lives by acting responsibly towards their environment. Children are asked to play a role to plan a safe environment for their population. Amazing was the part of instructions that said “with your help we can reduce human, physical and financial costs by understanding the risks and applying the best methods of prevention and mitigation”! Is this game really for children, and are the children able to understand the terminology the game uses, rather are most of us as adults aware of such complicated planning techniques? Or are we as media trained to report impact of disasters in terms these kids play games abroad?

The general consensus would be “what role do children play in disaster mitigation and planning any way” – sadly though, this is the general perception we have in Pakistan. Experts tell us Disaster Risk Reduction is all about stronger building codes, best land usage planning, better warning systems, evacuation plans and environmental management. What we forget here is above all these vital elements education and training of our children and our younger generation is the long term investment required for effective Disaster Management in vulnerable countries. The aim of introducing disaster risk reduction and climate friendly curriculum in schools is not only to train children, but to introduce behavior change in next generation to act responsibly and be environment friendly.