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Disaster risk communication shapes people's perceptions of risk and influences their decisions to prevent and mitigate harm from disasters. It also influences the intervention decisions that are made throughout the disaster management cycle. The global frameworks on disaster and development has stressed to strengthen the utilization of media, including social media, traditional media, big data and mobile phone networks to support national measures for successful disaster risk communication, as appropriate and in accordance with national and international laws.

The training course is designed to help participants understand disaster risk communication principles and to apply them to disaster risk reduction. The course builds the capacities of practitioners to design, develop, manage and undertake an effective disaster risk communication campaign. The course highlights various channels and mediums, introduces to topical communication trends and to produce information, education and communication (IEC) materials. The course also deliberates on the role of media.

Course curriculum

Module 1. Course Introduction

This module aims to provide participants with a brief overview of course introduction that includes key definitions and related terminologies on disaster risk communication. It further discusses the current needs for disaster risk communication and some of its current challenges in the context of developing countries.

Module 2: Overview of Disaster Risk Communication

This module introduces the concepts and objectives of disaster risk communication. It distinguishes between the traditional focus of emergency and crisis communication and the more comprehensive risk communication approach. It discusses basic theories, concepts, and approaches to disaster risk communication as well as the 5 key pillars of disaster risk communication – actors, purposes, modes, tools, and messages. Finally, the module also provides needs for disaster risk communication to be more inclusive, involving citizens and other stakeholders active in the two-way communication process, and building the partnership with the private sectors.  

Module 3: Engaging Local Community: An Integrated Approach to Disaster Risk Communication

This module aims to develop participants’ understanding and knowledge of the integrated approach to disaster risk communication. It discusses shared approaches to the engaging community in developing the risk information, such as data gathering, local community map-making, risk scenarios making, etc. It further discusses the importance of awareness of local values and context for developing the impactful science communication. The module also provides the practical understanding of integrated approach by discussing some best practices on engaging the local community in developing disaster information.   

Module 4: Innovative Tools for Building Disaster Risk Communication Capacities

This module aims to develop participants knowledge on the innovative tools for building disaster risk communication capacities. It discusses the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in disaster risk communication. It also discusses tools and approaches for communicating about the risk prevention, such as, online information portals, self-protection guidelines, information website, online platform, brochures to enhance knowledge about what community can do to protect themselves against risks. 

Module 5: Evolving Role of Social Media in Effectively Communicating the Disaster Risk

This module aims to develop participants understanding about the evolving role of social media as an important channels and modes in effectively communicating the risks. Social media, a two-way communication technology provides the foundation for effective risk communication as well as build trust and credibility between the government and the community. The module discusses the use of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Online chat via the internet, the media, and TV, etc., in offering ways for citizens to provide feedback or to engage in two-way, interactive communication about the risks between communities and the government.    

Module 6: Exercise

This module aims to provide an opportunity to participants to come up with a communication plan based on a given scenarios.

Target participants

The course is specialized to target those who are engaged in disaster planning and management, and in disaster education.

Registration

Interested persons can apply as individuals although preference will be given to those sponsored by an organization. The application can be submitted online at .