Long-term Resilience Building in Dominica

This month, millions of children around the world sharpened their pencils, packed their backpacks, and headed back to school.

But the return to the classroom looks different in communities navigating crisis. For some, it means rebuilding schools after conflict. For others, it’s providing dignity kits so girls don’t miss class, or training teachers to support students coping with trauma.

Before the first bell, IsraAID teams were hard at work ensuring children could step into school with safety, dignity, and hope.

In Dominica, this school year marks a major milestone. After successfully integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs in every preschool and primary school on the island, we are now expanding the initiative to reach high schoolers. This involves creating new, age-appropriate materials and training teachers to equip older students with crucial safety skills.

The work is already underway. Over the summer, IsraAID ran hands-on activities for students in high school Environmental Clubs, teaching them about emergency preparedness. Throughout the school year, we will be expanding these activities to high schools across the island.

"Back to school for me means laying the groundwork with schools - from coordinating with the Ministry of Education to preparing classroom materials that teach children about hazards and emergency response plans." - Wynela Francis, Senior Education Programme Officer, IsraAID Dominica

As the new school year begins, Wynela and the IsraAID Dominica team are making sure classrooms are not only ready for learning but also equipped to keep children safe and resilient in a region where the next storm is a constant threat.

Watch the video at the link below to see how we prepare before the bell rings.

Links:

• https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CqfWfDXr3/