Reduction of natural disaster risks in the field of Education

First inter-agency coordination meeting “Reduction of natural disaster risks the field of education” was held at the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia on May 10. 2013. The meeting was organized by National Curriculum Department of the Ministry and UNICEF.

Coordination group is composed of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, namely: The Ministry of Education and Science, Emergency Management Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, The Ministry of Environment Protection of Georgia, DIPECHO partners-UNICEF, Save the Children, ASB, Oxfam GB, ACF, Georgia Red Cross Society, Caucasus Environmental NGO Network and RDFG.

Main goal of the coordination group is to organize activities in order to prevent and diminish risks of natural disasters in schools and pre-school educational institutions. School administrations, principals, Resource Officers, parents and representatives of local communities will be involved in the process.

Deputy Minister Aluda Goglichidze greeted the participants, each partner organization presented own views and materials on disaster risk reduction.

Head of National Curriculum Department Natia Jokhadze talked about the integration of disaster risk reduction in the education system. Future plans were elaborated regarding electronic games for primary level pupils, organization of thematic summer camps and other activities.

Future work of disaster risk reduction group represents fundamental and auxiliary part of the safe school concept.