Blog with us about the GPDRR13

Learning through playing

According to a recent IRIN report, games and cartoons help to educate and prepare children  for disasters.

“Feeling and experiencing it [disaster simulation] empowers them. There are gains, especially in flood and cyclone areas of Asia where games have been helpful,” said Jordan Naidoo, a senior education adviser with UNICEF in New York.

Our report with Plan International found that games help children socialize and boost their confidence to discuss disasters with peers and family.

One of the more popular DRR games is Riskland developed by UNISDR and UNICEF. It’s similar to “snakes and ladders” (known as “chutes and ladders” in some countries) - it’s the game being played by the kids in the above photo and teaches them about natural hazards, climate change and environmental threats, such as flooding and winds. The object is to navigate from start to finish, helped or hindered by ladders and snakes/chutes.

UNISDR believes that education is a cornerstone for reducing disaster risks and building resilience not only for kids and youth, but adults as well. Learn more about education and DRR and check out this list of games developed by UNISDR.

In addition to a featured event entitled “Children and Disaster Risk Reduction: The Future We Want”, there’s also talk of an educational and game space at the Global Platform!