Global Network for Civil Society on Disaster Risk Reduction in Nigeria (GNDR _ Nigeria) and Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSE), have called for urgent global support for Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF).
Gloria Bulus, who doubles as the Female National Focal Point for GNDR Nigeria and Coordinator of NCSE, made the call in a press statement issued on Monday to commemorate the 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR).
The IDDRR has the theme “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future”.
It is essential in the collective effort to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework, which aims to reduce global disaster risks and losses.
Bulus said the framework provided a structured approach to safeguarding educational institutions from risks and hazards that encompassed three key pillars.
They are: Safer School Facilities, School Safety and Educational Continuity Management and Risk Reduction and Resilience Education.
She said that education played a pivotal role in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they needed to navigate and mitigate the risks posed by disasters.
Bulus said, “By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, we can empower the next generation to understand and respond effectively to the challenges they face.
“Governments must invest in the retrofitting and construction of disaster-resilient schools to ensure that children can learn in a safe environment.
“Implementing effective policies and procedures are crucial for maintaining educational continuity during emergencies which include emergency preparedness plans and training for educators and students alike.
“It is vital to integrate disaster risk reduction into the school curriculum to equip students with the knowledge and skills to respond to risks.
“Disasters disproportionately affect children and youth, with millions impacted by climate change, natural hazards, and emergencies each year…
According to her, it is their responsibility to ensure that they are not just passive recipients of information but are actively engaged in disaster risk reduction efforts,” she said.
Bulus called on all the stakeholders to prioritise the actions within their local, sub-national, and national strategies.
She added, “By endorsing and implementing the CSSF, we can protect our children and ensure that education continues uninterrupted, even in the face of disasters.
“In pursuit of these goals, these two networks are stepping forward with strong commitments to enhance disaster risk reduction through education.
“As the Coordinator of NCSE, I affirm our commitment to advocating for integrating disaster risk reduction into environmental education initiatives.
“We will work tirelessly to engage communities and raise awareness about the importance of safe and resilient educational environments.”
Bulus said that in alignment with their commitment, the GNDR Nigeria has pledged to collaborate with the various stakeholders to ensure that disaster risk reduction frameworks were implemented effectively.
She said, ”We will strive to empower communities and youth to take an active role in shaping a disaster-resilient future.
”On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we encourage everyone to reflect on equipping our youth with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world.” (NAN)
