Conducted exchange learning between school and school target in district on implement school disaster mitigation activities and demonstrate school drill at Safe School Management Guidelines

Save the Children International in Laos values the importance of continuous learning and improvement to effectively mitigate the impact of disasters on educational institutions and communities. Last month, the exchange learning workshop on implementing school disaster mitigation activities and demonstrating school drills according to the Safe School Management Guidelines was conducted to demonstrate the significance of collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing in enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies in schools.

On April 26, 2024, an exchange learning workshop was hold between schools in Viengkham district, Luang Prabang (LPB) province, facilitated by PESS’s LPB province and Save the Children International in Laos.

The workshop was arranged for representatives from three districts and the LPB provincial level of the Safe School Management Committee to 30 schools in Nan, Phonexay, and Viengkham districts in Luang Prabang. The aim was to implement school disaster mitigation activities and demonstrate school drills according to Safe School Management Guidelines.

The workshop involved 216 participants, including representatives from various government bodies, educational institutions, and Save the Children International, with a significant representation of 84 females and 154 children (84 girls).

During the meeting, the implementation of disaster mitigation activities and school drills, focusing on peer learning, sharing of best practices, and developing technical skills had been exchanged among the participants.

School drills were highlighted as valuable tools for disaster preparedness, with participants noting their effectiveness in 'learning by doing' roles in disaster scenarios.

Achievements included updating disaster management activities in 98% of schools/villages yearly, as per a quality checklist. The exchange visit was praised at national, provincial, and district levels for its effectiveness in knowledge sharing.

Another outstanding achievement was highlighted by Viengkham's strong capacity and experience in contributing the best practices and support Nan and Phonexay district representatives in developing safe school and disaster risk management strategies.

Last but not least, feedback from participants and community partners that emphasized the importance of knowledge provision, collaboration, and accountability mechanisms in strengthening disaster mitigation activities were gathered and summarized as follows:

1.The exchange learning team believes that knowledge and capacity provisions strengthen the engagement and empowerment of implementing school disaster mitigation activities and demonstrating school drills.
2.School principals and village authorities employed by teacher enterprises were seen as beneficial for improving disaster mitigation activities and demonstrating school drills.
3.Collaborations at all levels, along with beneficiary data tracking mechanisms, were identified as key factors for project success.
4.Voluntary and interest-based selection criteria with accountability mechanisms were suggested to enhance the success of school disaster mitigation activities.