Sanju advocates for school safety
Sanju, a 13-year-old student from Sindhuli, has become a passionate leader in her school’s disaster risk reduction and safety initiatives.
Sanju is a 13-year-old student who has risen to become one of the active leaders in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and school safety in her school. Her appointment as a School Safety Champion testifies to her commitment to making her school and community much safer and more inclusive. The disaster preparedness activities in which she has participated have taught her the framework of Comprehensive School Safety (CSS), learning continuity plan, early warning system, and disaster preparedness mock drills.
Considering the relevance of these activities, Sanju took the leadership mantle to lead the campaign for safe schooling. “I stepped up to lead extracurricular activities and learning sessions on school safety,” Sanju recounts. “I can only fulfill this responsibility with the help of my friends, our school’s DRR focal teacher, and the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion focal teacher.”
Sanju’s understanding of disaster risk reduction
“I was introduced to DRR and climate change, and it dawned on me that this is something I must do for my school and community,” says Sanju. She realised that simple actions like creating emergency plans and learning about early warnings can save lives. Inspired by her seniors, who led by example as School Safety Champions, Sanju felt compelled to contribute her part.
Sanju has actively helped organise emergency drills, including first aid training and earthquake response exercises. Working with her School Management Committee (SMC), she ensures that her classmates and teachers are well-prepared for any disaster. “As a School Safety Champion, I encourage my friends to join in activities like making emergency kits or learning first aid,” Sanju says. “I believe that when students are involved, they’ll take safety more seriously and be ready to act when needed.”
In her efforts to make safety accessible to all, Sanju ensures that students with disabilities are included in her school’s safety plans. “It’s important to me that all students, including those with disabilities, are included and prepared for any emergency,” she says.
“As a School Safety Champion, I encourage my friends to join in activities like making emergency kits or learning first aid.”
Sanju
Her advocacy beyond school
Sanju also commits herself to safe schooling outside of the classroom by developing family-level disaster preparedness plans and improving safety activities at school, in collaboration with the Girls Safety Champion in her community. Her commitment to this extends into working with the SMC and the local government to raise awareness of disaster preparedness and integration of gender-responsive practices at the level of school safety.
“Sanju has shown incredible leadership in our school’s disaster risk reduction efforts,” says the DRR focal teacher. “She’s not only active in organising safety activities but also ensures that every student, regardless of their background, is included in our safety plans. Her dedication to making our school safer is truly inspiring.”
One of her proudest moments was being invited to participate in a provincial-level workshop on mainstreaming the CSS framework. “It was a big opportunity for me,” she reflects. “I expressed my thoughts and highlighted the importance of involving children and girls in disaster preparedness efforts.”
Sanju’s efforts have already begun to make an impact. Her work with the SMC has led to improvements in evacuation plans and emergency response training for students. She continues to collaborate with local authorities to push for greater investment in disaster risk management, not only in her school but throughout her community.
Sanju’s story is a powerful reminder that when young people are equipped with the right skills and opportunities, they can be significant drivers of change. Her leadership and advocacy are building the resilience of her school to disasters and inspiring others to take action. “I believe that with the right training and support, young girls like me can lead the way in building safer and more inclusive schools,” says Sanju confidently.
“I believe that with the right training and support, young girls like me can lead the way in building safer and more inclusive schools.”
Sanju
About the project
The Gender Responsive School and Community Safety Initiatives project is a significant initiative being implemented in Nepal and Bangladesh. Launched in July 2021 till June 2024. The project was implemented in 8 schools and 24 communities in Sindhuli. The project focused on addressing the risks of multi-hazards and aimed to create a gender-transformative, safe learning environment in schools.
Gender-responsive practices promote safe, inclusive environments for children, especially girls. By partnering with schools, local governments, and communities, the programme addresses gender-based violence, enhances child protection, and fosters gender equality through awareness, capacity building, and youth-led safety campaigns.
Sanju’s active involvement aligns with the project’s goal of empowering children, especially girls, as leaders in school safety. As a School Safety Champion, she has helped implement disaster preparedness activities and raise awareness among her peers. Through training provided by the project, Sanju has gained valuable skills in DRR and gender-responsive safety, ensuring her school is better prepared for emergencies. Her leadership contributes to creating an inclusive and resilient school environment for all students.
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