Children in Barbuda build life-saving skills through School Safety Camp

“I am not as scared of disasters because I know what to do.”

For one student in Barbuda, this simple reflection captures the impact of a week-long School Safety Camp designed to help children feel safer, more confident and better prepared in the face of emergencies.

From 6–10 April 2026, 49 students at Holy Trinity School took part in the Easter School Safety Camp, led by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries in Antigua and Barbuda, with support from UNICEF. The initiative aimed to strengthen children’s knowledge and skills in disaster risk reduction through interactive, child-friendly learning.

Learning to stay safe

Throughout the week, students explored the types of disasters most likely to affect Barbuda, including hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. Through drawing, discussion and group activities, they began to better understand risks in their environment, and how to respond.

“I learned how to protect myself in an earthquake,” one student shared.

Children also learned how to prepare emergency Go-Bags, identifying essential items such as water, flashlights, batteries and first aid supplies. Many said they planned to share what they learned with their families, extending the impact beyond the classroom.

Practising real-life responses

A key highlight of the camp was hands-on drills, where students practised how to respond safely during emergencies.

They learned and demonstrated earthquake safety procedures - “Drop, Cover, Hold On”- as well as safe evacuation techniques. By the end of the week, students were able to respond calmly and confidently during a full simulation exercise, evacuating in an orderly manner to a designated safe area.

Facilitators observed improved response times, discipline and awareness among participants.

Building confidence and resilience

In addition to emergency preparedness, students learned about first aid and the role of community helpers such as police, firefighters and nurses during disasters. These sessions helped children understand how communities work together to stay safe.

The camp also included vision screening for students, recognising that good eyesight is essential for reading safety instructions, identifying hazards and participating effectively in drills. Several children were referred for further assessment, supporting early identification of potential barriers to learning and safety.

A model for safer schools

The School Safety Camp demonstrated how disaster risk reduction can be delivered in an engaging and age-appropriate way, helping children move from fear to confidence.

Students were highly engaged throughout the week, with many expressing a greater sense of preparedness and a willingness to share their knowledge with others.

By equipping children with practical skills and encouraging them to act as advocates within their families and communities, the initiative contributes to building a culture of safety and resilience.

As climate-related risks continue to affect small island states, programmes like this highlight the critical role of schools in protecting children and strengthening community preparedness.

UNICEF remains committed to working with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to ensure that every child is safe, prepared and able to thrive, even in the face of emergencies.