District Institute of Education and Trainings (DIET) Kishtwar hosted two day training workshop for Head of Institutions (HOIs) of all Higher Secondary Schools and High schools of district Kishtwar on “Disaster Management, Child Centric Vulnerability, enhancing capacity and promoting Resilience” amid disasters.
At the outset, DIET Principal, Ashok Kumar motivated the participants with his kind words and expressed his gratitude to other stakeholders for cooperating with DIET in hosting the most relevant training for HOIs as district Kishtwar and J&K as whole falls under seismic zone-V and is most vulnerable topographically.
In all, 72 HOIs of different HSS/HS participated and were acquainted with different techniques and knowledge about how to minimize the loss of life and property during Disasters.The training programme was aimed to impart practical expertise and applied knowledge to equip the officers with all relevant skills and tools needed in order to effectively respond to both natural and man-made disasters and resulting in complex emergencies.
The course utilized existing strategies and tools, practical exercises, case studies, and interactive multicultural discussions to explore the key issues faced while handling disaster situations.Sr. Lecturer DIET Kishtwar Riaz Ahmed Butt gave a detailed presentation on “School Safety Policy, suggestive frame work and safety under National Disaster Management Guidelines 2016.”
He appraised the HOIs about the recent circular issued by School Education Department Jammu and Kashmir regarding the adherence of School Safety Policy in schools and the role and responsibilities of HOIs towards ensuring the safety of school children who are the most vulnerable during disasters.
On second day of the workshop, the guest Lecturer from Govt., Degree College Kishtwar Dr. Sehrish Gazal, Assistant Professor Environmental Sciences gave a presentation on the Disaster Management Act 2005, Disaster Management Plan – 2016 and apprised the trainees in detail about the impact of such disasters and handling the disaster situations.
She also dwelt on the fact that children and women are the most vulnerable during any disaster.Another Expert, Rashida Shaheen, B.Ed Councillor in her presentation, appraised the HOIs about Disaster Management, its impact, consequences and mitigation measures.
Simultaneously, she gave live/practical demos on how to prepare temporary stretchers during emergencies and also explained practically the concepts of cloud burst and floating houses etc.Each day presentation of the speakers was followed by a question answer session, wherein Resource Persons directly interacted with the participants and answered their questions and also took their feedback.
Upon successful completion of the two-day workshop, Principal DIET thanked the HOIs and requested them to follow the guidelines of the School Education Department in letter and spirit and implement the same in their schools etc.
He also instructed them to train the teachers and students in their respective schools and make them aware and prepare about such disasters and how to mitigate them timely.