World Vision Foundation of Thailand, in collaboration with local partners in Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province, has been systematically implementing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities through the Safe School approach and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM). The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of both schools and communities to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters in the area.
Under the Safe School activities, practical training workshops were conducted for students in the project areas, focusing on strengthening knowledge and skills in disaster risk management aligned with local contexts. These include hazards such as floods, flash floods, landslides, forest fires, and haze, all of which continuously affect the safety and learning environment of children in the community.
Students have developed essential skills, including Risk Assessment, Evacuation Planning, and appropriate safety practices during emergency situations, enabling them to take care of themselves and assist others effectively and in a timely manner.
At the same time, at the community level, the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) activities have supported the establishment of Subdistrict Disaster Management Committees, focusing on strengthening community-centered disaster management mechanisms. These cover all phases of disaster management, including Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, in a systematic and effective manner.
Mr. Samphan Krobkrachok, Disaster and Climate Specialist at World Vision Foundation of Thailand, stated:
“Disaster risk reduction is not only about responding when an incident occurs—it is a comprehensive process of developing people’s capacities. We are committed to strengthening children, schools, and communities through the Safe Schools and CBDRM initiatives, alongside curriculum development, training, and capacity building for partner networks.
At the same time, we integrate climate change adaptation into disaster-related work to ensure that schools and communities can become self-reliant, resilient, and capable of sustainably coping with evolving risks.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Thitiphan Khattala, Mae Hong Son Area Development Project Manager, World Vision Foundation of Thailand, added:
“Khun Yuam District is characterized by high mountainous terrain, which exposes the area to various natural hazards, including heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and forest fires during the dry season. Establishing strong disaster management committees is therefore a critical mechanism that enables communities to monitor situations, track developments, and provide early warnings effectively.
It also helps ensure timely emergency response, reducing long-term losses to lives, property, and livelihoods in a sustainable way.”
This initiative reflects a development approach that emphasizes integrating children, schools, and communities to build a sustainable safety system, driven by collaboration across all sectors to strengthen local capacity and resilience.
Ultimately, building a safe society begins with comprehensive preparedness. When children have the necessary skills, schools have effective systems, and communities have strong management mechanisms, they can respond to disasters efficiently and move toward long-term sustainability.
