The Lamu County Government has initiated the establishment of disaster management clubs in schools to enhance preparedness and response to emergencies.
The initiative, which has so far roped in 19 schools from the Hindi Ward region, seeks to establish a culture of quick responses and early interventions to disasters within schools in the event of calamities such flash floods, fires and disaster risk reduction.
Speaking during the Trainers of Trainers workshop held in Hindi, the County Chief Officer for Public Service Management, Khadija Fumo, emphasized the need for early interventions in school settings through the students especially for schools within the Boni area, which are not easily accessible for public public aid, in case of disaster intervention responses.
“By engaging schools early, we’re not only preventing disasters, but also nurturing responsible citizens who understand lawful ways to express dissent and demand their rights,” Fumo noted.
She further said that the county government will be considering factoring in its annual budget funding to aid in facilitating the training and facilitation of students who will be earmarked as disaster response interventionists within their respective schools in collaboration with the Kenya Coast Guard and World Vision.
The Director of Peace Building, Shee Kupi, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the initiative aims to equip students and school staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate the impact of disasters.
“The clubs will focus on disaster risk reduction, emergency response training and promoting a culture of safety within the school environment,” Kupi said.
He further said that the establishment of these clubs aligns with the national policy for disaster management, which emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in various sectors including education.
At the same time, Lamu World Vision Coordinator, Charles Kilonzo said, “The clubs will serve as platforms for students to learn about potential hazards in their local areas, develop practical skills for responding to emergencies and participate in drills and simulations.”
He further said that the clubs will foster collaboration between schools, community members and relevant government agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to disaster management.
On his part, the patron of Hindi Secondary School, Chenzo Mengo said, “This program couldn’t have come at a better time, adding that students in Lamu face real risks, hence the need for such initiatives to avert future risks.”
A teacher from Lakeside Mixed School, Walter Waswa, also stated that the training will enable the institutionalization of Saint John’s Ambulance Clubs within schools, which can further serve their respective communities, where there are emergencies.
By Amenya Ochieng
