Head of Ashley Lashley Foundation calls for disaster education, clubs in schools

As a disaster preparedness programme for young people came to a close, the head of the organisation that led that initiative called on the government to integrate disaster education into the school curriculum.

Ashley Lashley also wants to see a Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (DEP) Club in every school within the next six years.

 

The director of the Ashley Lashley Foundation made the call as the Safe Coast BIM Youth Disaster Preparedness Programme concluded, highlighting the resilience and leadership of 34 young participants from six schools and youth organisations across Barbados.

 

Over the course of four weeks, students from Darryl Jordan Secondary School, Springer Memorial, Princess Margaret, The St Michael School, The Lodge School, and the Barbados Youth Advanced Corps engaged in workshops, training sessions, and field trips, gaining critical skills in disaster mitigation, emergency response, and community resilience building.

 

The programme was supported by key partners, including the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). “Here’s where I challenge the government. I call on you to allocate the necessary resources and integrate disaster education into our national school curriculum,” Lashley said.

 

“Let’s aim for every school in Barbados – not just the ones involved in this pilot programme – to have a Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Club by 2030. Through this programme, we’ve recognised that many schools lack disaster and emergency plans, or even awareness of their existence among students. This must change. Together, let’s set an ambitious target: at least 75 per cent of schools engaged in disaster preparedness activities by 2030. This is a commitment to our youth, their safety, and the resilience of our nation. We cannot wait. We must act now.”

 

During the closing ceremony, the Safe Coast BIM Youth Disaster Preparedness Programme’s legacy was further solidified with the announcement of $3 000 in microgrants to establish DEP Clubs at participating schools, fostering long-term youth engagement in disaster risk management.

 

The ceremony also celebrated exceptional participants, with special awards recognising commitment and engagement, and applauded partner organisations for their indispensable contributions.

 

Deputy Director at the DEM, Captain Robert Harewood said the programme demonstrates the critical role of youth in building a culture of preparedness, “a priority for Barbados given our vulnerability to natural and man-induced hazards.”

 

The Ashley Lashley Foundation is looking to take the programme islandwide, envisioning a future where every Barbadian student is equipped with the knowledge and tools to face disasters with confidence.

(PR/BT)