◆We held lectures and workshops on disaster prevention for high school students, who represent the next generation
Release Date:
On December 23, Reiwa 7, Kochi University ( Center for Disaster Prevention Promotion) held a lecture and workshop on disaster prevention for 10 first-year students from Ehime Prefectural Yawatahama High School at the Asakura Campus.
During the lecture, Professor Otsuki addressed the theme “How to Protect Dignity and Happiness in Evacuation Life,” emphasizing the importance of “emotional infrastructure” during disasters. He pointed out, “In disaster preparedness, we tend to assume the existence of a ‘typical resident,’ but no such person exists. Everyone has different characteristics and challenges.” He explained that “imagination”—the ability to recognize the difficulties others face—is what determines the fate of a community when it comes to managing evacuation shelters.
Next, in a workshop led by Professor Fujioka titled “Experiences with Evacuation Shelters and Life as an Evacuee,” participating students actually set up an evacuation shelter on campus. Through hands-on activities such as pitching tents, starting a fire, and preparing and tasting emergency rations, they learned about the proactive role they play in an evacuation shelter—that they are “cast members, not guests.”
Finally, as the lectures and workshops drew to a close, Professor Otsuki stated, “After saving lives from a disaster, the reality of life in the aftermath awaits, and the strength to survive that reality stems from a spirit of mutual respect for diversity. If we do not maintain an attitude of respecting the dignity of others in our daily lives, we will not be able to do so during a disaster either,” thereby emphasizing the importance of respecting those around us.
