In the Philippines, communities face down disaster by learning to be prepared

In the Philippines, frequent typhoons, flooding, volcanic eruptions and landslides have compounded the challenge of creating lasting solutions for the educational system. It’s been just over a year since several typhoons, including Ketsana, killed hundreds and affected up to 10 million people in southern Asia. As a result, many Filipinos live in a constant state of fear as they anxiously brace for the next catastrophe.

This video from UNICEF features a town in Albay Province in the Philippines where students and the local community actively promote disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Students give regular first aid instruction to their peers and help them prepare for potential emergency. They also identify possible hazards around their school and a parent-teacher association helps to spread the word of disaster preparedness. An informed student body and local community can help in minimizing the effects of disasters. This is an example of resilience among students and communities where despite of disasters, children can still continue their education.