‘WE cOuLd dO THAT HERE’ – INvOLvING GIRLS IN REducING THE RISK Of dISASTERS A project in Indonesia,Child Centred dRR, worked with girls and boys to build local resilience to disasters. 21 girls mapped out local risks facing their community and were perceptive in analysing why some members of their community were particularly vulnerable. “The trees get cut down for farming but the hillside is steep and the soil washes down. Then there is a landslide and houses are buried and animals die. In some places they build a terrace and that can stop the landslide. We could do that here,” said 13-year-old helen. The programme also supported girls to make use of their new knowledge to mobilise others in the community. For example, girls from Rembang used Quasidah music traditionally played at festivals and religious events. They wrote lyrics that promoted disaster risk reduction (ddR) action and proudly performed their new songs at events in their villages. They were encouraged by positive feedback from their peers and parents and by hearing so many people afterwards singing the songs’ catchy lyrics. girls from other communities
used theatre and videos. “Through video, we are able to explain the real situation in our village. This is one of the best ways to influence people. We are not only talking about our problems but also showing something real that we can do together to help solve these problems,” said Marlis, a 15-yearold girl from sikka. As a result of their work, the communities where the girls live have improved their waste management, and planted several hectares of trees that will help to protect them from floods and landslides and protect their water sources. They have also secured greater commitment from community members to prevent further damage to local mangrove forests. The determination of these girls to make a safer future has fostered a new perspective in their local leaders. s hamid hasan, head of the Indonesia Association for school Curriculum development, said: “The most effective way to minimise risks is by educating children, by introducing disaster risk reduction [dRR] from their early years. We need to involve both girls and boys.”
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Young people on their way to plant mangroves in indonesia.
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