The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) is calling on all schools across Vanuatu to actively mark Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Day on Monday, 13 October 2025, under the theme “Fund resilience, not disaster.”

From a press release it states that the annual event serves as a strong reminder that schools, principals, and communities must work together to reduce risks, strengthen preparedness, and protect the safety of students and teachers before disasters strike.

Vanuatu remains one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanic ashfalls continuing to affect thousands of lives each year. These ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness measures within the education system.

Earlier this year, in July 2025, the Ministry launched a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Education in Emergencies package to place children’s safety, learning, and well-being at the centre of preparedness efforts. Supported by UNICEF Pacific and funded by the European Union and the governments of Australia and New Zealand, the package includes key tools such as:

• The Disaster Risk Reduction Policy
• The Education in Emergency Policy
• The School-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Handbook
• The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools Policy

These resources are designed to ensure learning continuity and school safety before, during, and after emergencies.

Mrs. Marie Jonah, National Education Program Manager at MoET, said it’s important for schools to take proactive steps to protect their students and staff.

“Being prepared is not just about protecting our physical spaces; it’s about ensuring the well-being of our students and staff. On this Disaster Risk Reduction Day, we emphasise the importance of fostering a culture of safety and resilience in our schools,” she said.

The Ministry is encouraging schools to celebrate the day by conducting safety awareness sessions on cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes, and by engaging students in preparedness activities that build knowledge and confidence.

The public is also invited to attend the national DRR Day celebration at Pango Football Field on Monday, 13 October 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is organised by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), in partnership with Shefa Province, the Pango Area Council, and key development partners including UNICEF.

MoET reaffirmed its commitment to the Vanuatu National Sustainable Development Plan 2016–2030, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasising the collective effort needed to ensure education systems remain safe, accessible, and resilient.