PREPARE 10000 SLUM PEOPLE FACE DISASTER IN CHENNAI

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In continuation of our awareness and preparedness programs in 11 schools as a sustainability act of the relief services to disaster the children were formed as, Children Disaster Response Club (CDRC) in each school. 1100 children and teachers of 11 schools were involved and were benefitted by this program. Through demonstrations and detailed presentations children were taught (eg) how to handle victims in case of broken limbs,  how to run for safety during times of earth quakes,  protection during fire, what types of remedial measures to be taken etc.

Children Disaster Response Clubs (CDRC) were formed with stake holders such as  school teachers, students, NGO Staff, parent/teacher association, local government bodies as members of each club in 11 schools. A basic kit comprising of first-aid kit ,a flood preparedness manual, all the necessary medicines and little tools needed for (emergency) immediate relief were provided to each club as well a  printed T-shirts were provided to each member of the club.

A grand get-together was organized to honour the students and the teachers who had enrolled themselves as volunteers for these clubs,  CDRC – Children Disaster Response Club.  The key dignitaries who had participated in this program were Dr.Sathyanarayan – Secratary of Red Cross Society Chennai, the Headmaster of the local school welcomed the gathering, team of coordinators from Red Cross, Kollywood director Mr.Mohan had offered their felicitations, the program came to a close with a formal vote of thanks to all.   The children were given certificates and trophies for participating and willing to carry on this message of preparedness to others also. 

Disaster mitigation was initiated by reaching out to school children, young, adults , old adults and disabled persons. As a follow up of this mitigation effort, we had initiated a program to keep the children to be equipped personally and also to be bold enough to handle all kinds of disasters.  The members from each of the 11 schools were grouped for a training program on preparedness, “Children Disaster Response Club” (CDRC) and were trained in this concept and also awarded certificates and mementos to the members of this club.  We believe it is a humble beginning and it has to go a long mile before the dawn”. 

Children were specially taught as to how to handle people during critical times, handling people if they have fainted or breathless, handling of people who were rescued  from the process of committing suicide, the do’s and the dont’s  of it etc, enabling them to be truly  prepared for the inevitability.  This was done as a part of sustainability, so that these children who are trained in these tasks, would go on to propagate this life saving mesage to many other children in their own school and neighbourhood, this would give them a psychological edge over others in preparedness. 

Feedback from members of Children Disaster Response Club (CDRC) ,Chennai.

Mr.Sarathy , Headmaster of Mandeveli Girls Higher Secondary School, says that he was so happy to a part of  this program, a unique type.  Out of 700 children in  his school, about 120 had participated in this Children Disaster Response Club and had learnt many components of planning and preparing for disaster preparedness.   The only thought of concern was that it was a short program.  He also recommended that this program can be a regular one with additional days of training.

Mrs.Rachael – Headmistress of Garodia Girls Higher Secondary School, Kodambakkam, Chennai

Mrs.Rachael thanked GlobalGiving for this thoughtful training, inspite it was  a follow up of last years program. These kind of programs are very useful to the children, and makes them to be confident in all kinds of situations.  She also said that those who have been trained in this program shall also disseminate it to other students.  We are happy that like National Cadet Corps (NCC) Junior Red Cross (JRC) National Social Sevice Scheme(NSS) we also have Children Disaster Response Club (CDRC) in our school.  She also spoke about drills, Good drills are a learning process. They begin with advance preparation by staff, providing an opportunity to train students in classroom groups, remember procedures, and check on provisions. The simulation itself is an experiential learning opportunity.

Nandhini – Student of Seva Sangam School.

Nandhini comes from a very ordinary family does not have much exposure about global changes , disaster preparedness etc.  She thought that first aid is only to treat who are hurt by accidents or falling down etc.  But after this training program she is aware that there is something called preparedness for disaster, which had personally built her confidence to boldly approach situations.  She felt that it was an honour to be member of CDRC, for Children Disaster preparedness Club has opened her eyes about preparedness.  She also believes that this should be regular program for school children and atleast for some more  days.