Armenia: Children, teachers learn to prepare for disasters
By Anahit Gasparyan*
Armenia is among the 60 most disaster-prone countries in the world. Its small territory—roughly the size of the U.S. state of Maryland—is susceptible to a host of natural hazards, but especially to earthquakes, droughts and floods.
In 1988, Armenia experienced a devastating earthquake. At least 25,000 people died, and thousands more were left homeless, disabled and grieving.
The quake occurred at midday midweek, when children were at school. Witnesses and rescue workers later reported that children had been killed in their classrooms; it appeared that no attempt had been made to reach exits or safe spots.
Today, children, their teachers and school staff at Yerevan #141 Kindergarten, a boarding school in the Armenian capital, are learning how to prepare for disasters and reduce the risk of their occurrence, thanks to a training program of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
“It would be scary if the floor started shaking under my feet during an earthquake,” said Ani, 7. “But now I know there are places in every building where I can stand and be safe.”
Narek, who is just 6, said, “I learned about the 911 number. I’ll use it if there’s fire or if somebody feels bad. I told my mother about having an emergency kit, and she was surprised and said it is a very good idea,” he added.
The program, Disaster Preparedness through Education, is implemented by UMCOR’s field office in Armenia and targets school children and the elderly, two of the most vulnerable populations in a crisis. Participants learn about hazards, first aid, how to evaluate and reduce risks, and other subjects.
The training promotes safety and resilience. Teachers learn about their role and the actions they can take before, during and after an event. Children learn about safe spots in their kindergarten and buildings in general, and about the importance of emergency kits, emergency contact numbers and the basics of first aid.
Some 60 children, ages 5 to 7, participated in the training at Yerevan #141 Kindergarten. Trainers talked with them about right and wrong actions, and psychologists, nurses and teachers were all present during the discussions to facilitate the training process.
“It was interesting to observe the children as they practiced what they learned during the training. It was clear that the serious topics that were covered were presented in a way they could understand and remember,” said Lusine Matinyan, director of the institution.
“Preparedness is an indispensable part of resilient communities and cities,” she added. “Everyone has a role to play in emergency situations, and that is why basic education on disaster risk reduction (DRR) is very important for every age group,” she underscored.
Educating teachers and children is an effective approach to reducing vulnerability to risk and promoting a culture of disaster prevention. For UMCOR, the ultimate result is a resilient institution and a community prepared to identify risks and to react and recover in emergency situations.
October 13 is International Day for Disaster Reduction.