Disaster Risk Reduction in School Curricula: Case Studies ... - Unicef

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Section 10.
Case 23:
The Case Studies
Nicaragua
Overview
Nicaragua offers an example of DRR as a
cross-cutting theme with some structured
infusion into a limited number of subjects.
Table 12. Risk Management in the National Curriculum
in Nicaragua
Introduction
Nicaragua has strong seismic activity, due to its geographic
location close to the borders of two tectonic plates and a
significant number of active volcanoes. It also is on the route
of tropical cyclones that form in the Atlantic. These conditions
make Nicaragua one of the countries that is most threatened
by natural phenomena. Because of this, Nicaragua has developed
a comprehensive legal framework and policies directed at
disaster risk reduction and prevention.
Curriculum Development/Integration
Basic and adult education curricula include a risk management
programme. The Ministry of Education developed methodological
guides for teachers and workbooks for students on DRR as a
transversal axis of the school curricula with a special emphasis
on prevention and school safety (see Ministerio de Educación,
Cultura y Deportes, undated a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h).
Risk management has also been included in different subjects
of the national curricula as follows:
Primary
Secondary
Grade
1 and 2
3 and 4
5 and 6
7 to 10
Subject
Language
Natural Science
Environment and
Natural Resources
Civic Education and Geography
(DIPECHO, 2008, 18)
Pedagogy
Student workbooks provide basic and up-to-date information
on risk management, with themes incorporated in short stories,
drawings, readings and activities that facilitate learning and
practice at home, school and communities. Pedagogy is
participatory, based on students’ experiences and on developing
their attitudes in addition to fostering a general culture of
prevention. Active learning approaches are recommended,
including individual and group reflections, case analysis, research
of available written material and dramatizations (Ministerio de
Educación, Cultura y Deportes, undated a, c, e, g).
Disaster Risk Reduction in School Curricula: Case Studies from Thirty Countries