In the Child-Focused Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan Workshop organized by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), ideas that consider the best interests of children during and after disasters were discussed. As a result of the meetings where children participating in the workshop presented their ideas, an action plan will be prepared and shared with public institutions and organizations.
The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, UNICEF and TESEV jointly organized a three-day Child-Focused Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan Workshop. Following the internal stakeholder meeting with municipal administrators, the external stakeholder meeting was held with the participation of representatives from public institutions and organizations in the city, civil society organizations and universities. The leading role in the third meeting of the workshop was played by children. The final meeting focused on what needs to be done in the event of disasters such as earthquakes, fires and floods and their aftermath, and discussed suggestions and expectations from the perspective of children. The report to be prepared as a result of the workshop will be transformed into an action plan and shared with public institutions and organizations.
“Child Friendly City”
Providing information about the workshop, Rahşan Polat, Child Studies and Education Support Branch Manager, said, “Our primary goal is to make Izmir a ‘child-friendly city’. Our workshop is one leg of this goal. We examine what city administrators, civil society organizations, and society do for children during and after the disaster, and what they should do specifically for children. We also discuss what children want from a child’s perspective during and after the disaster.”
An action plan will be created
Polat, who stated that different suggestions were put on the table in the workshop, said, “We will prepare a report of this three-day study, create an action plan and share it with public institutions and organizations. Because we can only be a Child-Friendly City if everyone does their part. Different suggestions are presented in the workshop. For example, some children say that there should be child-friendly toilets in post-disaster gathering areas. We consider this study important for adults to develop such awareness.”
“It is very important that food and hygiene packages arrive”
Emir Akay, one of the children who attended the workshop, said, “Different precautions should be taken for children in disasters. Special education and sports activities should be provided so that children affected by the earthquake do not fall behind in education,” while Ayşe Seneduran said, “The organization is very good. Raising children’s awareness is important. Houses need to be built stronger and inspected. It is very important for children to receive appropriate food and hygiene packages after a disaster.”
“Psychological support should be provided”
Havin Kaygısız, who shared her ideas at the workshop, said, “I think earthquake-resistant houses should be built. I think every house should have special fire extinguishers against fires. For example, it would be nice to organize activities for children in tents set up after a disaster.” Sema Kurtcebe also commented, “Children should be made aware of disasters, and their suffering should be alleviated after a disaster. Children can be given education and psychological support after a disaster. Toys should also be included in the support packages given to children after a disaster.”
