Child-led disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

Children are usually considered passive recipients of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities. However, following the successful first Child Led Disaster Risk Reduction (CLDRR) programme in Cuba, the model is being replicated and adapted in various disaster–prone and affected countries, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Many agencies working in disaster -prone situations have realised the potential of the CLDRR programme for minimising risks within local communities. Research is now suggesting that children are effective risk communicators and agents of social change within their households and their immediate communities. CLDRR also creates opportunities for children affected by disasters to recover from the trauma of their experiences. Case studies reveal that involving children not only facilitates the humanitarian efforts of agencies, but it is a process for personal psycho-social rehabilitation.

CLDRR also provides a valuable entry point for more equitable processes for adaptation to climate change, particularly over medium term timescales that are meaningful to children and their pathway into adulthood. However, scaling up CLDRR to national level advocacy and policy spaces remains a huge challenge. It requires a change of perception and attitude of adults, and acknowledging children’s role in contributing to DRR strategies.