Disaster drills to be taught in schools to reduce death tolls

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam is planning to spend about VND52.3 billion (about US$2.5 million) on a nationwide school course in what to do in case of disaster.

Information is being sought from education experts and teachers on the draft plan, forecast to be approved this month.

Deputy head of the Ministry of Education and Training's Department of Science, Technology and Environment Le Trong Hung said students, especially at elementary and kindergarten levels, were among the most vulnerable to disaster and climate change effects.

"They lack the experience to deal with disasters and therefore it increases their level of panic and personal damage," Hung said.

Under the draft plan, the education sector would start pilot lessons on disasters and how to deal with them as part of after-school activities this year. By year's end, materials for the entire programme would be completed.

Next year, teachers and faculty members at all levels would be fully trained and by 2020, 80 per cent of students and teachers would be equipped with skills and knowledge on dealing with disasters.

Experts stressed the programme would focus on teaching actions, not just raising awareness. — VNS