From classroom lessons to community leadership, children are becoming heroes in emergencies
In areas hit by landslides, flooding, and typhoons, children in Laos are learning how to protect themselves and lead their communities through emergencies.
Knowledge that saves lives
Children in rural Laos face frequent disasters — typhoons and floods damage homes and schools, disrupt education, and endanger lives.
Through the Safe Schools programme, students and teachers are learning how to respond to emergencies with training in evacuation drills, fire safety, and first aid.
15-year-old Nith knows the difference it makes. “Before joining the project, I didn’t know how to protect myself. Now I’ve learned how to respond to emergencies like storms, landslides, and fires. The storm-escape activity was my favourite because strong storms often hit my village. I can now help my family by leading them to safety.”
From schools to communities
When her village was hit by heavy rain and landslides, power lines fell, and roads were blocked — but Nith was prepared. And she’s not keeping the knowledge to herself.
“For my community, the safe school approach not only improves our safety at school but also benefits the entire community. By sharing what we learn at school with our families, we help our parents understand that protecting children means protecting the community.”
Children’s School Safety Clubs are at the heart of this work. So far, more than 1,000 people across 30 villages have been trained in disaster preparedness — and children’s knowledge of emergency response has grown significantly.
Children leading change
Thanks to our generous supporters, more children like Nith are gaining life-saving skills, staying in school, and becoming leaders in times of crisis.
Together, we’re helping children survive, learn, and thrive — no matter what challenges they face.