Natural disasters, in particular floods, are increasingly affecting vulnerable communities in the world, and children are often the most affected. In India, recurring floods in states such as Assam, Bihar, Odisha and Kerala have had devastating effects on education and early childhood care. Schools and Anganwadis – integrated into the development and learning of children – are often damaged or disturbed. This highlights the urgent need to adopt Child -centered disaster risk reduction (RRR) Strategies and build Educational infrastructure and resilient care In areas subject to floods.
1. Why the DRR centered on the child counts
Children are not only passive victims of disasters – they are active stakeholders whose rights to security, education and well -being must be protected. DRR focused on children:
- Recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of children.
- Focuses on the minimization of learning and care disturbances.
- Ensures that children's voices are included in planning and preparation.
- Improves psychological and social resilience through support environments.
2. Understand the risk: the impacts of floods on schools and Anganwadis
Floods affect educational establishments in several ways:
- Structural damage: Buildings collapse or become unusable due to engorgement.
- Loss of learning: The closure of the facilities causes prolonged interruption of education.
- Health risks: Unsanitary conditions lead to epidemics of diseases in children.
- Psychosocial trauma: Exposure to disasters causes long -term mental health problems in children.
Anganwadis, who serves children aged 0 to 6, are even more vulnerable because of their location in community buildings and limited funding for resilient infrastructure.
3. Principles to build resilient schools and Anganwadis
A. Site location and planning
- Avoid building in low zones or floodable plains.
- Use SIS -based risk mapping to identify safe areas.
- Make the base levels and build on stilts or high platforms in high-risk areas.
born climate resilient infrastructure
- To use Flooding materials And the conceptions that allow quick drying and easy cleaning.
- Ensure Robust drainage systems To avoid stagnation of water.
- Install Rainwater harvest And water purification units to ensure the safety of drinking water after disaster.
c. Versatile use and community integration
- Design of schools and Angangadis as Community disaster shelters.
- Include safe storage spaces For learning equipment and emergency kits.
- Ensure inclusive design For disabled children.
d. Green and safe spaces
- Create Sure outdoor play areas With a landscaping tolerant to floods.
- Include Kitchen gardens And environments adapted to children to support nutrition and well-being.
4. Institutional strengthening and capacity
A. School disaster management plans and Anganwadi (DMP)
- Prepare DMP adapted to children who involve children in evacuation and safety education exercises.
- Form school safety committees and connect them with local RDR organizations.
Born training and awareness
- Train workers and teachers Anganwadi FIRST AID,, Child protectionAnd Psychological first care.
- Steer simulated drills and safety education activities for children.
c. Interpart coordination
- Ensure collaboration between education, women and children's development, disaster management and public labor services.
- Leverage programs like the National Fund for Disasters (Editor's note) Or District mineral funds For resilient infrastructure.
5. Technology and innovation in the resilience building
- To use Digital early alert systems To alert institutions before floods.
- Implement Online learning solutions And mobile education units for continuous access during movement.
- Deploy Solar energy communication lights and tools in distant areas.
6. Case studies and best practices
A. Bihar flooding schools
In districts subject to the floods of the Bihar, UNICEF and the local authorities piloted raised school buildings With floating furniture and raised storage. This contributed to ensuring the continuity of learning even during monsoon floods.
Born the Kerala multi-dazard resilient Anganwadis
Post-2018 floods, the Kerala has redesigned the Anganwadis with high foundations,, emergency kitsAnd Community awareness components.
c. RRR initiatives adapted to Assam's children
NGOs have teamed up with local governments to train children in the preparation of floods, Children's evacuation plansand provide Post-catastrophe psychosocial care.
7. Policy and support for financing
- Incorporate the RRR into the National Education Policy And Integrated child development services (ICD) Guidelines.
- Allocate dedicated budget lines For school resilience and Anganwadi in disasters.
- Press CSR funds, state disasters attenuation funds and international climate financing.
8. GO forward: Strategic recommendations
- DRR for the general public in the education and planning of childcare services at all levels.
- Promote the design of infrastructure led by the community For better acceptance and sustainability.
- Make sure each new anganwadi and school in flood areas is built with resilience as a central component.
- Empower children as an DRR ambassadors thanks to education and participation adapted to age.
- Create evidence and data systems To monitor school safety and children's well-being during disasters.
Resilient schools and Anganwadis do not only concern bricks and mortar – it is a question of protecting future. By integrating the child -focused RRR into the planning, design and functioning of these institutions, we can make sure that each flood or disaster becomes a moment of learning, no loss. Investing in such resilience is not only a humanitarian imperative, but also a fundamental step towards sustainable development and the protection of the rights of the child.