Building a Disaster-Resilient Future: How SEEDS is Empowering Communities Through Education

In line with the goal of reducing global disaster risks set by the Sendai Framework, the theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024, observed on 13 October, focuses on the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future. This theme is closely aligned with the priorities of the upcoming Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 2024, where “youth and future generations” will be a central focus. These global initiatives underscore the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to reduce disaster risks in their communities, especially as the world faces increasing challenges from climate change and natural disasters. In India, while significant progress has been made in improving access to education, many schools remain located in disaster-prone areas, exposing students to unsafe environments and disruptions in learning. For instance, recent summers in Delhi have seen approximately 50 percent of primary school children in Municipal Corporation of Delhi schools absent during peak heatwave days. This drop in attendance not just disrupts education but also highlights the vulnerability of young people to environmental hazards. Therefore, integrating disaster preparedness into the education system is essential for safeguarding future generations. Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it plays a crucial role in shaping mindsets, fostering values, and preparing young people to become resilient leaders. As communities across India face growing risks from natural disasters, the role of education in building resilience becomes even more critical. Schools serve as safe spaces, offering support and stability during crises. SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society), a humanitarian organization with 30 years of experience, has consistently placed education at the heart of its disaster risk reduction efforts, transforming schools into centers of resilience and recovery. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their communities, SEEDS is paving the way for a safer, disaster-resilient future Having navigated numerous disasters, SEEDS leadership has recognized the unique vulnerabilities of various regions across India. Over the past 30 years, they have focused on ensuring swift restoration and continuity of education, demonstrating a commitment to fostering resilience among young people in these vulnerable areas.

Building a Resilient Ecosystem in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir: Buddhi village in Kathua faced several challenges, including the poor condition of government schools, inadequate hygiene practices, a lack of awareness about sustainability, and ineffective water management. These issues not only hindered the community’s overall development but also made it vulnerable to health and environmental risks. To address these challenges, SEEDS implemented a series of interventions in 2017 aimed at creating a safer and more resilient ecosystem. A total of 40 workshops were organized on water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and environmental sustainability. These sessions included disaster risk reduction measures to better prepare the community for emergencies. As a result of these efforts, 580 students at Government High School Buddhi, Kathua now have a safer learning environment, while 466 students gained knowledge on disaster preparedness. Additionally, 1,315 individuals were made aware of improved WASH practices, and 21 government officials were sensitized to sustainability measures. In total, 3,805 residents of Buddhi village indirectly benefited from these interventions, leading to enhanced community resilience and well-being. While SEEDS’ efforts in Kathua stand out, similar initiatives across other disaster-prone regions have followed suit, showcasing SEEDS’ comprehensive approach to disaster management.
Pioneering a Child-First Approach to Disaster Safety in Delhi: In areas like East Delhi, where disaster risks intersect with daily challenges, a holistic school safety initiative was essential—one that ensures children can go to school without fear, remain safe on campus, and return home securely. Responding to this need, SEEDS introduced a Safe Schools initiative in 2019. The program focused on creating Disaster Management Committees, establishing student-led task forces on fire safety, first aid, and search & rescue, and developing early warning systems. In 2020, when schools were closed due to the pandemic, SEEDS worked to improve the safety of school buildings. SEEDS collaborated with architects and engineers to repair, retrofit, and refurbish 15 state government schools in Dehradun and Haridwar, ensuring that these schools would be stronger and safer for students when they returned. The goal was to make the school structures disaster-resistant and create a more inclusive and comfortable learning environment. This effort was recognized by the then Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, who appreciated the initiative’s contribution to ensuring that children have access to safer learning spaces. The Safe Schools initiative has now reached over 150 schools, empowering children to become change agents and expanding its impact to high-risk areas, including flood- and earthquake-prone districts such as Dehradun and Haridwar. Beyond disaster preparedness, SEEDS has also been at the forefront of rebuilding educational infrastructure in regions hit hard by natural calamities.

Ankur Project: Rebuilding Schools for Long-Term Resilience Post-Disaster: The “Ankur” project stands as a testament to SEEDS’ unwavering commitment to restoring education and community resilience in disaster-hit regions. Following the devastating floods in Barmer, Rajasthan in 2006, SEEDS undertook the task of rebuilding 18 flood-damaged schools. This initiative went beyond mere reconstruction—13 schools were restored at their original sites while five were entirely relocated to safer areas. The project incorporated disaster-resistant construction methods that adhered to technical standards while respecting the local environment. In addition to the physical structures, SEEDS focused on creating a comprehensive learning environment. Schools were equipped with essentials like blackboards, ergonomic furniture, toilets, kitchens, and offices, all contributing to a holistic learning experience. Water harvesting systems were installed to address the region’s water scarcity, while students and teachers received training in sanitation and psychosocial care to foster well-being. This project didn’t just rebuild schools; it created disaster-ready educational spaces that could act as safe shelters in future emergencies, ensuring a safer learning environment for hundreds of students. As seen with the Ankur project, SEEDS’ efforts to restore educational infrastructure in disaster-hit regions extend across India, including areas recently impacted by floods and landslides.

Restoring Normalcy After Assam Floods and Wayanad Landslides: A Focus on School Safety: During the devastating floods in Assam in 2024, SEEDS set up 11 Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) in Suprakandi and surrounding wards. These centers provided 392 children with stability and routine through informal education, play, and psychosocial support. These safe spaces helped children heal, reconnect with their peers, and recover from the trauma of the disaster. In Wayanad, following landslides in 2024 that heavily damaged schools, SEEDS restored Government High School Vellarmala and Government Lower Primary School Mundakkai by preparing temporary learning facilities. Despite immense pressure to meet deadlines, SEEDS mobilized teams to repair these schools, transforming makeshift classrooms into safe, welcoming spaces. This effort was recognized by local authorities, further emphasizing SEEDS’ commitment to prioritizing education as a key component of recovery. Conclusion: SEEDS has long recognized the critical role that schools play in building a disaster-resilient community. While the initiatives mentioned above highlight key efforts, they are just a few examples of SEEDS’ broader commitment to school safety across India. Through numerous other initiatives, SEEDS continues to empower students and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to face future disasters. These efforts are crucial in paving the way for a disaster-free future, with safe, resilient schools at the heart of stronger, more prepared communities. As these efforts continue to expand, they serve as a vital reminder that investing in education is crucial for building resilient communities that can withstand the challenges of the future. Through collaboration, awareness, and proactive measures, we can ensure that the next generation is better equipped to face and recover from the impacts of disasters.