Theme :Prepare for disaster Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Lower Secondary Curriculum in Uganda,

By

Proscovia MulyowaCurriculum Developer,

National Curriculum Development centre, Uganda

Uganda is prone to several hazards that result into disaster in many communities. The natural hazards are: Drought Famine Floods Landslides and mudslides Epidemics Pandemics Human epidemics Crop and animal epidemics Heavy storms Pest infection Earthquakes

The human induced disasters include among others: Transport related accidents Fires Land conflict Cattle rustling Environmental degradationDisasters lead to destruction of property and life of both adults and children. They affect mostly children, disrupt school systems thus affecting children’s right to education.

In 2010 Government Policy entitled “ The National Policy For Disaster Preparedness and Management”. - the roles of different ministries, departments,

public and private institutions in the management of disasters.

- recommends the mainstreaming of disaster risk management in the education curriculum at all levels.

- learners to acquire knowledge and understanding of the hazards and risks and develop skills of how to avoid and manage them.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management concepts have been mainstreamed in the draft Lower Secondary Curriculum in the following Learning Areas: Social Studies: It cuts across most strands in

addition to a separate Sub-strand entitled “Disasters in Communities in Uganda”.

Science: It cuts across most strands but mainly integrated in Materials Science, Earth and Space and Life Science.

Technology and Enterprise: it is integrated in the following themes:

Food Production and Food SecurityCrop Production and Animal HusbandryThe main emphasis is on enabling learners acquire knowledge and understanding of the causes, effects and risks of disasters; as well as development of skills, values and attitude of preparing for and managing them. THANK YOU