From Training to Action: Empowering Rukum Field Staff in Disaster Risk Reduction

DEPO delivered training for field staff of the Human Development and Community Services (HDCS) Emergency Response and Resilience Project. The program aimed to strengthen staff understanding of DRR principles of self-help, mutual-help, and public-help so they could raise awareness of disaster risks within their communities.

Participants explored essential DRR concepts through disaster life-cycle games, first aid activities, emergency preparedness kit exercises, and disaster drills. The training used interactive games and hands-on activities to develop participants' understanding of disaster prevention methods and their role as disaster education facilitators. The educational games used in the training were developed through collaboration between teachers under the School-Based Resilient Community Model Project.

The training materials were supported by Plus Arts NPO, Japan, and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The program also set the basis for a planned workshop in Rukum where local teachers would work with DEPO to co-develop context-specific DRR educational games using materials developed through the JICA-supported project.