Building a preventive culture among school children from vulnerable communities in Mexico
Children are at high risk of being affected by natural disasters. With this in mind, it is essential for them to acquire the knowledge and the necessary tools to protect themselves and take preventive action before, during and after a disaster takes place.
Description
Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross) is a humanitarian institution of private assistance, which is part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering to improve the living conditions of people and communities, promoting a culture of self-protection through voluntary action.
The objective of this commitment is to provide training to the population and build a culture of resilience that will help decrease the risks associated with disasters.
Children and teachers are trained to develop their preventive abilities in the event that natural hazards occur. At the end of the training, children are equipped to conceive action plans that will enable them to take security measures and detect vulnerable zones in their communities.
Four modules are taught:
1.Community education, organization and risk reduction strategies
2.Protected schools
3.Family preparedness plan
4.Community based first aid training
Did the Sendai Framework change or contribute to changes in your activities/organization? If so, how?
Yes, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction promotes understanding disaster risk and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response. The Mexican Red Cross in Nuevo Leon is committed to reduce the number of civilian casualties during a natural disaster. Children are the primary participants because we want to develop a prevention-based culture where those who have higher risk of being affected know how to act accordingly under these circumstances.
What led you to make this commitment/initiative?
What was your position before making this Voluntary Commitment / prior to the Sendai Framework?
The Red Cross has as a goal to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters. We identified the need to tackle this global problematic, taking actions that will save lives and create resilient communities in the state of Nuevo Leon is a priority. The Sendai Framework has allowed us to set specific goals and encourage participation between local governments and civil society. Furthermore, the Sendai Framework states that “children and youth are agents of change and should be given the space and modalities to contribute to disaster risk reduction, in accordance with legislation, national practice and educational curricula.”
Deliverables and Progress report
Deliverables
Deliverables are the end-products of the initiative/commitment, which can include issuance of publications or knowledge products, outcomes of workshops, training programs, videos, links, photographs, etc.
The goal for 2019 is to reach 50,000 children that will be agents of change and will lead their families and communities to take preventive actions in the event that natural disasters occur.
Equipping teachers with adequate training that can further be passed on to their pupils for years to come.
Organizations and focal points
Implementing Organization(s)
Focal points
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