Empowering Dominica’s Youth: Promoting Human Security for All on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024

The rise in climate-related disasters has become a growing concern, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, people with disabilities and migrants. The 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), observed on October 13, focuses on "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future." This theme encourages countries to empower their youth by providing education that not only helps them understand the risks posed by disasters, but also equips them to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families. Promoting education that fosters resilience among youth is aligned with global efforts to mitigate risks under frameworks such as the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. According to UNICEF, around one billion children worldwide face heightened risk, including displacement, due to climate impacts. These risks extend beyond immediate danger, impacting essential aspects of life such as education, healthcare, and nutrition. To protect young people from these cascading effects, it is essential to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become agents of change within their communities.

Dominica’s Kiddies Disaster Preparedness Summer Club: A Model for Youth Engagement

A prime example of youth empowerment in disaster preparedness is Dominica's Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Kiddies Disaster Preparedness Summer Club, which was launched at the Warner Primary School in July 2024. Supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this ODM initiative offered interactive sessions on disaster readiness and hands-on activities such as building emergency kits and engaging with local experts like the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services and the Department of Social Services.

Joian Coipel, Junior Programme Officer at the ODM, highlighted the value of this programme:

"The ODM summer program has strengthened youth capacity by deepening their knowledge of disaster preparedness, promoting resilience, and developing essential life skills to assist their communities during emergencies."

The program drew enthusiastic participation from both students and teachers, allowing children to grasp the significance of disaster preparedness while engaging in games and contests designed to strengthen their knowledge.

Warren Edwards, an intern with the ODM, reflected on the program’s success: "The concept of human security was well received by the youth. They quickly grasped its importance and even provided suggestions on how to strengthen human security in various fields. These young minds are Dominica's future."

The Intersection of Climate Change, Education, and Human Security

Human security, which is focused on enabling people to live free from fear, free from want, and to live in dignity, goes beyond immediate disaster preparedness. It encompasses the interconnected eight dimensions of security (environmental, economic, food, health, community, political, personal security, and access to technology), all of which are essential in a world facing increasing climate challenges. The collaboration between ODM and IOM during this summer’s Kiddies Disaster Preparedness Club program provided a holistic view of disaster risk reduction, helping participants to understand and assess the vulnerabilities in their communities.

Viola Pascal, Project Coordinator forIOM, stressed the importance of this collaboration: "Climate-related events have significantly impacted the economic security, education, healthcare, and well-being of children and youth in the Caribbean. This collaboration provided another opportunity to strengthen local and national efforts in DRR, while affording youth a space to propose solutions to enhance their protection and empowerment."

Human Security as a Cornerstone for Youth Development

The core message of reducing threats to the human security of vulnerable people resonates strongly within the context of disaster risk reduction and the need to ensure no one is left behind. By harnessing the power of technology and equipping young people with the tools to understand the broader implications of climate change and human security threats, programs like the ODM’s Kiddies Disaster Preparedness Club are laying the foundation for a future where the next generation is not only prepared but also proactive in safeguarding their communities.

By empowering children and youth through education, countries can ensure that the next generation is well-equipped to navigate the uncertainties ahead and build stronger, more proactive communities.

As Dominica continues to engage with its youth on issues relating to disaster management, the country is setting an example of how education and youth participation can drive meaningful change in disaster risk reduction. The IDDRR 2024 theme serves as a reminder of the need to invest in the younger generation—not just as beneficiaries of disaster preparedness efforts, but as active contributors to a resilient future.