Disaster Risk Reducation Education

In 2022, the world experienced numerous significant natural disasters, bringing about a great deal of pain and suffering, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing disaster risk reduction education. Looking back at the Republic of China (R.O.C. Taiwan) last year, the haunting memory of the 0918 Taitung Chihshang Earthquake remains, which resulted in the suspension of the Hualien-Taitung railway for several months. In October, Typhoon Nesat caused multiple landslides in Yilan County, blocking roads and temporarily isolating MINGCHI RESORT, leaving over 300 tourists stranded. In this edition, we will review and summarize the major disaster events of the year, learning from each disaster to enhance our awareness of disaster risks and be better prepared for disaster prevention and response.

In order to effectively respond to and mitigate the impact of disasters, it is essential to have a strong foundation in disaster prevention education and implement various preparedness measures. Recognizing this, The Ministry of Education (MOE), along with local governments and the Disaster Prevention Education Guidance Group, has been working hand in hand to promote disaster risk reduction education. In recent years, these collaborative efforts have yielded fruitful results.

In this edition, we invited the winners of the 11th Disaster Prevention Conference(entitled"Child Safety We Care") to share their experiences in promoting disaster risk reduction education. Additionally, the New Taipei City Government, which has received the " Talent Improvement Award," will outline its strategies for cultivating disaster prevention professionals. Furthermore, the recipient of the "Innovation Improvement Award," Hualien County Government, will share how they have been continuously developing innovative approaches to disaster prevention education.

To broaden the horizons of young students, acquire new knowledge, and cultivate leadership abilities, the“International Youth Camp for Disaster Risk Reduction”was arranged by MOE in February.26 students from all over Taiwan to form an exchange delegation to visit Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, to exchange and share experiences with local young students and to showcase our achievements in promoting Disaster Risk Reduction Education (DRRE).

The overseas training program included experiencing and practicing various DRRE courses in Matsushima Nature Retreat, sharing DRRE learning experiences with students from Tagajo High School, visiting the International Research Institute of Disaster Science at Tohoku University to attend a lecture for disaster prevention knowledge, heading to Ogawa Elementary School and Minamisanriku to conduct disaster prevention training, and staying with local host families to learn how local residents respond and adapt to the threat of disasters.

Other than that, “Disaster Risk Reduction Eudcation Delegation to Japan” formed by 26 teachers and administrators from each local government and each special education school.The overseas exchange program visited the local memorial hall and research center in Japan to understand the international disaster preparedness policy, and went into their middle school, primary school, special education school to see how educational places implement disaster management and learn more about disaster prevention drills for Japanese students at all levels of study. 

Japan and the Republic of China (R.O.C. Taiwan) are both natural disaster-prone countries. By recording the policies and measures implemented by the Japanese government and the results of schools practicing disaster prevention education, we hope to apply those precious experiences onto the disaster management in Taiwan, to elevate the capacity of our disaster prevention education.