Title

Children and Disaster Education: An Analysis of Disaster Risk Reduction within the School Curricula of Oregon, Texas, and the Philippines

Author

Ashley Merchant, Concordia University - Portland

Date of Award

1-1-2015

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Theology, Arts, & Sciences

Department

International Development and Service

Degree Name

International Development and Service, MA

First Supervisor

Scott Winegar

Abstract

For the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the intensity and frequency of disasters. This has created a growing interest in the issue of disaster risk reduction among the global population. Past research has shown that proper planning and the use of protective measures can reduce the effects of a disastrous event. Preparedness is not only the responsibility of a nation’s government or relief agencies, but also of every member of the community, including the vulnerable population of children. The United Nations has called for disaster risk reduction education to be implemented in schools around the world. Providing children with disaster education is the first step towards creating a culture of preparedness and fostering responsible citizens within the community. Through the examination of public school curricula in the Philippines, Oregon, and Texas, this research aims to explore the level of disaster risk reduction implementation and identify potential gaps. Results of this study show that disaster risk reduction education is present within the curriculum framework, but there are still many elements from the UNICEF/UNESCO best practices checklist that are not being fulfilled. Governments, education agencies, and teachers could use this research to determine how to fill these voids.

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