Last week, UNESCO, alongside the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) and the Ministry of National Education (MENFP), conducted USIMEX evacuation simulation exercises in the Artibonite department.

Faced with the natural hazards that regularly affect Haiti, schools remain a crucial space for instilling life-saving skills and knowledge. Through a series of evacuation drills organized in several schools, hundreds of students, teachers, and educational staff members strengthened their preparedness for emergency situations.

These simulations allow those involved in the education system to better understand the appropriate actions to take in the event of an earthquake, fire, or other hazards, while fostering a genuine culture of prevention and resilience within school communities. Supervised by Civil Protection volunteers, students learn to evacuate quickly, in an organized and safe manner, following established procedures.

Implemented as part of the project "Implementation of Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Mitigation Measures in School Facilities in Haiti" funded by the UN Adaptation Fund, this initiative contributes to strengthening disaster preparedness capacities in schools and promoting education focused on protecting life and ensuring continuity of learning.

IH/ iciHaiti