A District Student Brigade Conference was held with the participation of 85 Student Brigade members from 17 secondary schools in Kurigram to strengthen students' capacity for disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction. During the conference, the students learned practical strategies for disaster preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. They also developed disaster preparedness action plans for their respective schools and families.
The conference was organized under the "Community Support for Inclusive and Equitable Education across 25 Schools in Kurigram District (CBM-V Project)." The project is financially supported by Muslim Aid-UK Bangladesh Field Office (MABFO) and implemented by the national development organization Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO).
The conference featured training sessions on Student Brigade leadership and management, Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR), Community Risk Assessment (CRA), inclusive disaster management for persons with disabilities, early warning systems, coordination with Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs), search and rescue, first aid, shelter management, and the development of disaster risk reduction action plans.
The chief guest at the event was Mr. Shafiqul Islam, District Education Officer of Kurigram. Other distinguished guests included the Upazila Academic Supervisor, the Deputy Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Kurigram, Md. Shah Oliullah, Education Coordinator of Muslim Aid-UK Bangladesh Field Office, and Md. Moin Uddin, Project Manager.
The speakers highlighted that the char areas of Kurigram are highly vulnerable to recurring floods and river erosion. They emphasized that establishing school-based Student Brigades and providing them with regular training is a timely and effective initiative to enhance disaster preparedness among students. They also called upon all relevant stakeholders to ensure the active engagement of Student Brigades in disaster risk reduction initiatives.
At the end of the conference, the participating students pledged to play an active role in raising disaster awareness within their schools and communities, promoting a safe learning environment, and contributing to the development of a disaster-resilient society.