Painting contest to make children aware of disaster risks

A national-level painting competition for schoolchildren of 10-14 years will be held here on November 3 during the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016, an official statement said on Tuesday.

"This competition will be based on themes related to Disaster Risk Reduction and aims to make children aware of its need and importance. It also aims to bring to the fore their understanding of risks and ways to address them," the statement said.

The three-day conference is being organised by the central government in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

"Children are a nation's future, and they need to be exposed to notions of safety from all kinds of hazards -- from small everyday hazards to major natural hazards, like floods and earthquakes -- early in their lives to ensure their holistic growth," it added.

Children's participation would also lead to greater involvement of their parents and society, resulting in better prepared communities, the statement pointed out.

The State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) will organise the first level of competition. Each participating state will send their three best participants for the national-level competition.

At the national level competition, a jury will select three winners, who will be awarded cash prizes, a certificate of recognition and a memento.

Three consolation prizes will also be given away.

--IANS

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