School safety course launched to boost disaster readiness nationwide

The United States (US) Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, through its Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Regional Disaster Assistance Programme (RDAP), in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and with support from the Ministry of Education (MOE) commenced a three-day School Safety Course on Monday at the CDC headquarters, Thomas Land, Georgetown. The training, which runs from March 30 to April 1, 2026, brings together two participants each from West Demerara Secondary, Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, Nismes Secondary, Annandale Secondary, President’s College, Bygeval Secondary, Covent Garden Secondary, St George’s School of Science, St Roses High, St Stanislaus College, Tucville Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, Christ Church Secondary, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Sophia Primary, Graham’s Hall Primary along with representatives from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the CDC, the Guyana Red Cross, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection.

The course aims to enhance preparedness, response and risk reduction measures within schools and communities. As part of the programme, a simulation exercise will be conducted on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Sophia Primary School. This practical component will allow participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the course in a real-world scenario, testing emergency procedures and coordination among responding agencies.

The initiative underscores the continued commitment of the US Government and its partners to building resilience in vulnerable communities, particularly within the education sector. By strengthening school safety frameworks, the programme aims to reduce the impact of natural hazards and emergencies on students, teachers and educational infrastructure. The Civil Defence Commission expressed appreciation for the partnership and emphasised the importance of integrating disaster risk management into the education system. The Ministry of Education also reaffirmed its support for initiatives that promote the safety and well-being of students nationwide.