WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (ESKD) has contacted school administrations to prepare and take action regarding weather conditions. The government has advised school administrations and provided guidance to prepare and consider the following points:
Emergency Plan for All Schools: Each school must have an emergency plan. In this case, the section related to heavy rainfall must be activated. This plan should include safety measures, evacuation procedures, communication strategies, and protection of the premises. For better synchronization, it is advised to keep contact information for neighbors in the school's area, as well as phone numbers for police, ambulance, Aqualectra, and all emergency numbers at hand.
Communication and Information: Implement an early information system via SMS, apps, notifications to parents, students, and staff via email, a special app, or phone calls in sequence.
Safety and Protection of School Infrastructure: Inspect the school's infrastructure and repair any issues as soon as possible. If there are areas that need more attention, take note of them and include them immediately in the emergency plan. Ensure necessary protections are in place for heavy rainfall (sandbags, pumps, etc.).
Evacuation and Shelter: Inform all staff of the evacuation routes and keep these routes clear. Make sure these routes are visible in case of heavy rainfall. Identify hazardous locations and assign a shelter in case of emergency.
Education and Information Management: Follow the verified information channels of the government. Hold informational sessions or talks with parents, teachers, and students to know what to do in case of a disaster. As school administration, establish a management plan and inform all stakeholders about it.
Consideration of Distance Learning: In case the school premises cannot be used, be prepared to implement distance learning. Ensure that teachers and students can communicate and continue the education system via digital platforms.
Cooperation and Collaboration with Local Authorities: Coordinate all information in cooperation with government entities to work on emergency plans and execute them according to agreed procedures. In case of an emergency, inform and coordinate immediately with the authorized authorities.
These are some of the points that the Ministry of ESKD has informed and advised all school administrations concerning weather conditions. Naturally, there are many other important points, but these have already been addressed with the school administrations. For emergency cases, you can always communicate with the ministry at Communicatie@owcs.gov.cw for information.
