October 13^th is International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and this year the focus in on children and young people.

Last year I visited Nepal where I met an amazing young student who was on the committee for disaster management in her village.  She told me that learning what do if a flood occurred made her less afraid.  What really impressed me was that students were considered an important part of the committee and that their contribution was valued.  They helped educate other students in school as well as spreading the messages in their community.  Children power at its best!  It made me think that we could really learn something from that here in the UK.  As far as I am aware the committees that run Neighbourhood watch schemes do not inactively encourage participation from young people, perhaps they would be more effective if they did.

To find out moreabout the day and how you can get involved go to the United Nations website.