19 January, 2017 MEIDECC’s Departments of Environment and NEMO conducted a one-day awareness education program for government school teachers and principals at Vava’u aimed to increase understanding about disaster management and the Clean School Program (CSP).
More than 100 teachers and principals participated in the program.
Mr. ‘Inoke Taufa from NEMO told participants that it was vital for students to understand NEMO’s responsibilities and the significance of disaster management and disaster risk reduction.
Taufa stressed the importance of developing a Natural Disaster Plan for every school in Vava’u to guide them once a natural disaster occurs because they cannot be closed in advance, nor evacuated but proper planning would prepare schools to react appropriately to the event. Taufa also noted the relevance of MEIDECC’s Meteorology Department in providing essential information about meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology.
JICA Volunteer Chie Hattori and Ms. Mele Finau from Vava’u’s Environment Department highlighted the vital role of the Clean School Program (CSP) in promoting a healthy and clean environment. Hattori and Finau also urged schools to commit to the CSP.
ENDS
For more information, please contact Ms. Mele Finau at 70 033.
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.