Orientation Programme on "Friday Safety Five: 5 Minutes Every Friday Safety For Life" Conducted in Soreng District
Orientation Programme on "Friday Safety Five: 5 Minutes Every Friday Safety For Life" Conducted in Soreng District
Soreng, 28 July (IPR): A one-day Orientation Programme on the observance of "Friday Safety Five: 5 Minutes Every Friday Safety For Life" was successfully conducted today at the Rurban Complex, Soreng, under the aegis of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Soreng.
The programme brought together 14 Nodal Teachers representing all Government Senior Secondary Schools and one private school in the district, along with 154 Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) from Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) across Soreng District.
The orientation aimed to sensitise teachers and Anganwadi workers on the importance of institutionalising the observance of Safety Friday in all schools and Anganwadi Centres across Sikkim. As part of the initiative, participants were encouraged to conduct a five-minute disaster awareness session every Friday during the morning assembly. These sessions will incorporate literary, cultural, and interactive activities focusing on various disaster-related themes to promote awareness and preparedness among children.
The initiative seeks to instil a culture of disaster preparedness, strengthen safety awareness, and equip children with essential life-saving knowledge and skills from an early age, thereby fostering resilient communities.
The programme was graced by District Collector & Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA, Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi as the chief guest. In his address, he underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of disaster preparedness among children through regular awareness programmes in educational institutions and Anganwadi Centres. He highlighted that sustained efforts in disaster education are key to building resilient communities capable of responding effectively to emergencies. He also expressed his gratitude to SSDMA for the programme as it supports to enhance human resources towards possible effective disaster management and preparedness.
The dignitaries emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders in strengthening disaster preparedness and promoting a culture of safety across educational institutions and Anganwadi Centres.
The orientation programme concluded with a collective commitment from all participants to actively implement the Safety Friday initiative in their respective institutions, ensuring that disaster risk reduction and safety awareness become an integral part of children's learning and development.
The programme was also attended by Director (SSDMA) Mr Rajiv Roka; Additional District Collector (Development) Mr Ongdi Sherpa; Chief Education Officer (CEO, Soreng) Mr Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia; Deputy Director (SSDMA) Mr Keshav Koirala, Deputy Director (SSDMA) Ms Kessang Nima Lepcha, DPO (LR&DMD) Ms Rajni Pega, officials from Fire & Emergency Services Department Soreng; officials from the SSDMA; and members of the DDMA Soreng team.