On International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, attention shifted to how young people can play a crucial role in reducing disaster risks. Highlighting education as a key tool, the UNDRR showcases initiatives across Europe aimed at raising awareness and preparing children and youth to face future hazards.
No matter a person’s age, everyone is vulnerable to disaster risks. However, children and young people are generally less aware of the dangers they face and how they can respond to them. That’s why young people are at the centre of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, which falls on 13 October. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) aims to use the Day in 2024 to raise awareness of how countries can leverage the education sector to reduce disaster risks for school-aged children (see: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction).
This focus on education comes at a time when children and youth are increasingly vulnerable to disasters, many of which are driven and exacerbated by climate change. EU Member States and countries participating in the UCPM are working on risk awareness and communication to ensure citizens are aware of hazards and prepared to mitigate the impacts of disasters. Some countries run activities that focus directly on school children, such as Austria and Italy.
‘Safety tour’ in Austria
The so-called ‘Safety tour’ in Austria teaches third and fourth grade school children how to behave in emergencies. Organised annually by the Austrian Civil Defence Association, this campaign combines playful learning with practical exercises to make it easier for children to remember safety procedures.
Since its launch in 1999, more than 360 000 children have taken part. Andreas Hanger, President of the Austrian Civil Defence Association, said: “We are proud to bring the topic of safety to Austria’s elementary schools in an age-appropriate way.”
You can find more information here.
'Io non rischio'- I don’t take risks, Italy
‘I don’t take risks’ is a campaign led by the Italian Civil Protection Department in partnership with several institutions and associations. It focuses on raising awareness of multiple risks – such as floods, forest fires, earthquakes and volcanic hazards – and translating that awareness into action.
Several initiatives within the campaign specifically target children and youth (see more here). For example, the ‘Ambasciatori’ project in Lombardy trains teachers and secondary school students in civil protection practices. These students, supported by volunteers, then bring these lessons to primary schools, becoming ‘Ambassadors’ for a culture of prevention.
On International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2023, a comic book called ‘L'attimo decisivo’ (‘The Decisive Moment’) was distributed to secondary schools across Italy. It tells the stories of four young people, aged 12 to 14, who face disasters and must make life-saving decisions. The comic was accompanied by teaching materials for educators.
Given its success, a new issue, ‘L'attimo decisivo – La virgola’ (‘The Decisive Moment – The Comma’) was published in 2024. In this edition, the same characters embark on an adventure at the Phlegraean Fields near Naples. Through their story, they learn about the area’s volcanic nature, the phenomenon of bradyseism, past eruptions, present risks, and civil protection measures.
“We owe it to future generations to empower them to reduce their disaster risks,”
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