adminPrecious Maphosa, Sunday News Reporter
ZIMBABWE Red Cross Society has partnered with four international humanitarian organisations to implement a programme aimed at educating schools about dangers that can affect their safety during natural disasters.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Red Cross Society head of communications Mr Kim Stambuli said the projects being implemented in Mangwe District in Matabeleland South were meant to raise awareness and ensure safety.
“Resilience through Disaster Response Management — Cash Preparedness and Comprehensive School Action aims at enhancing national disaster risk management capacities and community resilience through the strengthening of Red Cross operational tools and cooperation frameworks with national authorities and humanitarian partners. Firstly, Action will increase ZRCS’ preparedness and response capacities by consolidating its ability to design and implement cash-based programmes effectively.
“Action is implemented by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, with the support of the Finnish Red Cross, British Red Cross, the World Food Programme, and the European Union — Humanitarian Aid. After a management study was carried it was discovered that Mangwe District was prone to disasters and a risky area,” said Mr Stambuli.
He said as part of the action plan there was a School Risk Assessment programme which is led by students.
“The School Risk Assessment (SRA) aims at engaging schools in the participatory understanding on hazards and risks that can affect the safety and well-being of students and staff. The SRA is a process of self-reflection and learning (awareness-raising) led by members of the student community itself, placing a strong focus on the views and expectations of the students regardless of their age. The SRA will allow the schools to later design well-informed School Disaster Risk Reduction Plan and Contingency Plans.
“The proposed SRA methodology stipulates three levels of analysis; the first level will be conducted by the students, second conducted by members of the School Disaster Risk Management Committee (SDRRMC), and a third conducted by technical government agencies. The outputs of the three levels of analysis will make up the SRA report,” he said.
Mr Stambuli said the programme would be implemented in 10 schools in the district.
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