The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a US government agency that handles civilian foreign aid and development assistance. They have practical steps for disaster risk reduction in education on the national, sub-national, and school/community levels, but this project will focus on the school and community levels. Each level is broken into before and after an emergency. Before an emergency, USAID recommends that NGOs utilize students, school administrators, and community members to conduct “vulnerability/capacity and multi-hazard assessments, and identify gaps in school-level response capacity”. Schools should also have frequent safety drills with school-wide alarms and pre-stocked emergency supplies such as first-aid kits. NGOs are encouraged to prioritize unsafe schools to renovate and reinforce. 

Schools are advised to train school staff and teachers in managing and assessing risk factors. Similarly, NGOs should encourage parents, local groups, and community members to participate in disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities and workshops. Schools are encouraged to teach students DRR within school boundaries and at home. These are roughly the steps and repercussions the USAID recommends to NGOs in conflict-affected areas.

During emergencies, USAID suggests involving community leaders, local experts, existing local groups, and networks in developing and implementing response plans. NGOs should also set up temporary learning centers equipped with educational materials, rebuild schools and support “non-formal education courses to enable children and youth to study and acquire life skills, including skills in risk prevention, reduction, and preparedness”. Curriculums should include disaster prevention. In the same light, NGOs should strive to engage students, parents, and community members in the maintenance of the school to prevent future risks. Finally, NGOs should encourage school-based and community-led “DRR initiatives to sustain community awareness of disaster risks. 


Links to USAID's complete DRR guidance notes & website