IDDRR
GeoHazards Society – India
Putting inclusivity at the heart of risk reduction in India.
ORGANISATION
GeoHazards Society
LOCATION
Thiruvananthapuram, India
GeoHazards Society is improving disaster preparedness and safety at Sredha School in Thiruvananthapuram, India, to better support children with disabilities. These efforts are reducing potential risks and making the school a safer and more inclusive place for both pupils and staff.
After a detailed safety check, several important changes were made to the school’s infrastructure. Combustible materials were moved away from the switchboard, unwanted cardboard was cleared out, fire extinguishers were relocated, and cables were clearly tagged and labelled. Safety stickers were added for better visibility, and more fire extinguishers were provided to ensure the whole school is covered.
One of the most notable improvements was replacing the old, narrow, and steep staircase with a new one that’s wider and easier to use, especially for pupils with Cerebral Palsy. These changes are all about making the school safer for everyone.
The project, supported by the Mariwala Health Initiative shows a strong commitment to the mental and physical well-being of disabled pupils by focusing on their safety during emergencies. This partnership highlights the importance of inclusive disaster preparedness in building stronger, more resilient communities.
From awareness to action, young people lead the way in pushing for climate and disaster resilience. This story and photograph is a part of our celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. Members from across our network have shared their stories of youth-led or focussed resilience work. It demonstrates that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers today, driving forward local actions that build resilience to disasters and reduce risk.
Photo: GeoHazards Society – India