Successful Five-Day Training Program on Child-Centric Disaster Risk Reduction

uccessful Five-Day Training Program on Child-Centric Disaster Risk Reduction On 10th July, the Mountain Research Institute University of Ladakh, Taru Campus Leh, in collaboration with the National Institute of Disaster Management South Campus, organized a highly informative five-day training program from 10th to 14th July 2023, focused on the topic "Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction Training of Trainers." The program was inaugurated by the esteemed Chief Guest Prof. S.K Mehta, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh. The opening session featured expert speakers Dr. Kumar Raka, Senior Program Officer CCDRR NIDM, Dr. Shaheed Ansari, Education Officer (CRY), and Mr. Ranjan Kumar Consultant NIDM. Officials from various departments of the UT administration, including Health, UTDRF, ICDS, Labour office, Fire and Emergency, Social Welfare, Education, DIET, and Police Department, along with faculty and research scholars from the University of Ladakh, actively participated in the first day session. Sh. Ranjan Kumar, Consultant, NIDM, delivered an insightful presentation on "Covid-19 and Multi Hazard: Appropriate Behaviour (Do's and Dont's)" discussing essential precautionary steps for dealing with different types of disasters and the significance of First aid kits and other requirements. The second session commenced with an engaging presentation by Dr. Kumar Raka, delving into fundamental concepts of disaster risk management and emphasizing the importance of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation, recovery, reconstruction, and resilience. Dr. Raka stressed the significance of building resilience in communities through various measures, such as strengthening social networks and promoting sustainable development practices. On 11th July, the second day workshop continued with sessions on "Local Disaster" and "Introduction to Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction (CCDRR) and Engaging Children in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)." The speakers discussed risk factors leading to disasters in the Leh region and the importance of safeguarding children's rights in disaster situations, promoting their involvement in decision-making processes and community development. The third day featured a special guest lecture by Dr. Dinesh K. Aswal, Director of Health, Safety, and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, who highlighted the significance of radiation, nuclear energy, and sustainable development goals. Participants gained valuable insights into the positive historical development of nuclear energy and its balanced implementation for sustainable development. The fourth day included a field visit to Bal Ashram, providing trainers with hands-on experience and insights into the challenges faced by children in disaster-prone areas. This visit deepened the understanding of children's unique needs and vulnerabilities, enhancing the trainers' capabilities to address them effectively. On the fifth day, Dr. Shaheen Ansari emphasized a rights-based approach to child-centric disaster risk reduction, discussing child rights and their role in building resilience through Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR). Participants shared their findings and experiences, and Dr. Sonam Angmo expressed gratitude to all involved in making the training program a resounding success, including Vice Chancellor Prof. S.K. Mehta, Dr. Kumar Raka, and the program coordinator Shri Ranjan Kumar. The five-day training program successfully equipped trainers with valuable knowledge and insights to empower children and communities in the face of disasters.