Photo by Elesha George. Retrieved from antiguaobserver.com
Twenty-one students from various schools in Antigua and Barbuda got first-hand experience into local disaster management operations when they participated in a workshop at the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) on Wednesday.
The half-day session was a pilot to introduce secondary school students to various employment opportunities within disaster management, and to get them familiarised with the different aspects of NODS’ operations.
“This is a new avenue that we’re pursuing – youth in disaster management workshop – this is something very new. So far, the feedback has been great,” remarked Anderson Tuitt, Preparedness and Response Manager at NODS, who led the main sessions.
It marked the launch of an exciting new initiative that focuses on involving young people in disaster management.
“That’s one of the areas that we want our young people to start to think of venturing into – disaster management – because like we always say, no matter what professions that you think of, there’s always room for you in disaster management,” Tuitt explained.
“So, whether you want to be a doctor or a nurse, or teacher, an accountant – there is room for you in disaster management.”
Going forward, Tuitt said NODS wants to involve young people in NODS’ community disaster executive.