Strengthening resilience: Nationwide school evacuation drills launch in Egypt
Cairo, Egypt, 12 December 2024 – The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Regional Office for Arab States, in collaboration with the National Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management of the Cabinet and the Ministry of Education, launched an evacuation drill in 27 schools across Egypt as part of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 campaign “Are you ready?”.
The drills are designed to ensure schools are ready to respond to emergencies with customized evacuation plans that meet the diverse needs of students, including those with disabilities and gender-specific requirements. By involving students, teachers, parents, and local authorities, the initiative aimed to foster a culture of safety and resilience, making schools centers of learning and safe havens in times of crisis.
"These nationwide school evacuation drills are a vital step in building resilience and ensuring that schools across Egypt are fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies," said Nora Achkar, Ģý ROAS Chief. "By working closely with the Egyptian government and key stakeholders, we are demonstrating the significance and power of collaboration in reducing disaster risk. We are confident that this initiative will strengthen school safety and set a strong precedent for other countries in the region, positioning Egypt as a disaster preparedness and resilience model."
This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate disaster risk reduction into Egypt's national curriculum, supported by the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030. Ģý ROAS will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education to incorporate disaster risk reduction into Egypt's national curriculum. This process involves comprehensive, long-term consultations with educational stakeholders, curriculum developers, and DRR experts to ensure that the integration is effective and sustainable. The aim is to gradually embed DRR principles into various subjects across different educational levels, from primary schools to universities.
The serves as a foundational guide for this integration. By aligning the national curriculum with the framework's key pillars – safe learning facilities, school safety and educational continuity management, and risk reduction and resilience education — students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand, prevent, and respond to disasters.
Under the theme "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future," IDDRR 2024 highlights the crucial role of education in building a safer tomorrow. By leading efforts in Egypt, Ģý ROAS is setting an example for the region, demonstrating that investing in school safety and preparedness is key to creating a resilient future for youth.