Raising Disaster Preparedness Awareness Early: Human Initiative Educates Children on the Importance of Disaster Preparedness in Schools

Jakarta – As time goes on, knowledge about disaster preparedness becomes a necessity. Not only does it help individuals prepare for upcoming disasters, but it also enables people to minimize the impact of disasters. This need aligns with the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture Regulation No. 33 of 2019 on the Implementation of Safe School Programs (SPAB). The government has urged schools to implement facilities and infrastructure that meet the standards to protect students and the surrounding environment from disaster risks.

Among the many schools in Indonesia, the Global Islamic School (GIS) in Jakarta, East Jakarta, is one of the schools working to align their facilities and infrastructure with the SPAB standards. Collaborating with Human Initiative, which has a core program called “Initiative for Disaster Management,” GIS Jakarta has organized disaster preparedness education for students, teachers, and school staff.

GIS Jakarta, in collaboration with Human Initiative, has engaged in various collaborations to educate the school community. Some of the collaborating organizations include the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), and the Fire Department (Damkar).

Strong Reasons for Implementing SPAB

Firdaus Noor Farid, Deputy Director of GIS Jakarta, emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness education. He stated that it is the responsibility of school management to provide the best for the school community, not only as members of the school but also as members of society.

“Our school (GIS Jakarta) is based on religion, where Islam believes that we as human beings are only prepared to respond and prepare for the provisions or destiny that Allah gives,” he said.

When asked about the reasons for GIS Jakarta conducting disaster preparedness education with Human Initiative, Firdaus outlined four reasons. First, it is a strategic blueprint for GIS Jakarta to gradually meet health, safety, and environment (HSE)-based school facilities and infrastructure for students, teachers, and management. Second, it is a form of support for Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture Regulation No. 33 of 2019 on the Implementation of Safe School Programs (SPAB). Third, it is an effort by the school to take preventive measures to reduce disaster risks. Fourth, it incorporates input and suggestions from parents as stakeholders.

Inspiring Enthusiasm in Children

Human Initiative, as a global humanitarian organization, recognizes the importance of disaster preparedness education for children, especially within the school environment. Collaborating with GIS Jakarta, Human Initiative has developed materials and enlisted speakers who can inspire children’s enthusiasm for learning. One step in this process is collaborating with institutions related to disaster preparedness, such as BNPB, BPBD, PMI, and Damkar.

“The various equipment from BNPB, BPBD, PMI, and Damkar have captured the attention of the children. As a result, the information we provide is received with enthusiasm during the simulation sessions,” said Deni Kurniawan, Leader of the Disaster Risk Management Squad at Human Initiative.

GIS Jakarta shares a similar perspective, stating that the education is not limited to teachers and school staff during training. This is because professional speakers in the field have higher experience and a stronger understanding.

“Children are also more enthusiastic when the speakers are dressed in Search and Rescue (SAR) team, PMI, and Fire Department uniforms. Alhamdulillah, we at GIS Jakarta can provide this type of service to our students,” concluded Firdaus.

Reporter: Human Initiative Jakarta