Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Project
Implemented by the Organization of American States
Unit of Sustainable Development and Environment
for the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Caribbean Regional Program

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Recommendations of the Workshop on the Integration of Disaster Management into the Curricula of the Caribbean Universities

Note: these recommendations were compiled and distributed by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) in November 1999.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The second meeting for the Integration of Disaster Management into the Curricula of the Caribbean Universities was held at the Sam Lord's Castle Hotel on Wednesday October 13, 1999. Those attending represented all three campuses of the University of the West Indies (UWI), The University of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the United States Agency for International Development Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), and the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The meeting was organised by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) and funded by the OAS/CDMP.

2.0 WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

The Workshop focussed on laying the foundation for the development of two major outputs:

2.1 Development of a framework of training being undertaken at Universities in the Region

2.2 Development of a Disaster Management Curriculum Policy

3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

To facilitate these two major outputs the meeting recommended the following:

3.1 Framework for delivery of Disaster Management Training

3.1.1 Focus of interventions

  1. Development of a database of courses available at the University of the West Indies focussing on Disaster Management or including Disaster Management training
  2. Making this information available to potential users
  3. Identification of training gaps and addressing them

3.1.2 Database of Courses

  1. A matrix of planned and existing courses or modules in Disaster Management should be updated and extended to include: GG30D, GL39L and GG33E. All the courses are currently available at Mona and it is recommended that these courses be made available on a cross-campus basis.
  2. The Faculty of Engineering, St Augustine has proposed a three credit course "Natural Hazards and Disaster Management in the Caribbean" starting in year 2000. This should be included.
  3. A representative of each campus should be identified to provide details on existing or planned courses or modules in Disaster Management. The following should be made available:

This information to be forwarded to CDERA for distribution via web and possibly via publication

3.1.3 Training Gaps

  1. The need for a post-graduate diploma in Disaster Management to facilitate the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary for disaster programme management has been recognised.
  1. To further the institutionalisation of Disaster Management Training it was recommended that Chair should be established for Disaster Management at the professorial and it was recommended that the Director for CDMRC should fill this post. Possible funding for the chair can be obtained from: Petroleum Industry or Insurance. After initial funding, the Chair will have responsibility for seeking further funding.
  2. The University of the United States Virgin Islands has a basic course on Natural Hazards as a University Campus Course. It is recommended that a similar coursed be mounted at UWI on all the campuses.

3.2 Disaster Management Curriculum Policy

3.2.1 Justification

The rationale for the development of a Disaster Management Curriculum Policy is within the following context and these should be highlighted for University officials:

  1. The political concerns of Sustainable Development in Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and the need to build technical capacity.
  2. The vulnerability of Caribbean countries to natural hazards and the repeated country losses and disruption of development being experienced as a result of the impact of these hazards. In this regard economic losses should be highlighted.
  3. The need to improve tertiary education and research to more appropriately respond to the increasing vulnerabilities and development needs through the building human resource capacities.
  4. Note the existence of a precedent where Japan as a multi-island country is exposed to the same or similar hazards to the Caribbean region (hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, volcano) and have not been remise but rather have responded at this level.

3.2.2 Aim

The aim of this Policy would be to:

  1. To promote the concept of hazard resistant development.
  2. To develop a policy (UNICA) appropriate for Caribbean Universities.
  3. Establish the absolute importance of having Disaster Management in the University.
  4. Establish the multi-disciplinary nature of Disaster Management guide curriculum development activities.
  5. Seek to link Disaster Management to existing Mission Statements of Campuses and faculties as appropriate.

3.2.3 Strategy

  1. Enhance, structure and package for presentation to Universities ongoing Disaster Management training initiatives being undertaken.
  2. Seek meeting with university (UWI) hierarchy.
  3. CDERA will be responsible for the setting up of this meeting and will lead the delegation to:

3.2.4 Proposed Programme of Action/UWI

The initial interventions will focus on the University of the West Indies, however subsequent efforts will be directed at other universities. The proposed programme of action for the University of the West Indies will focus on the following:

  1. Establishing an official commitment to Disaster Management
  2. Circulation of an edict to call on Deans to initiate faculty discussions to institutionalise the initiative at campus and inter-university levels
  3. Seeking donor agency support for seed funds for this activity and solicit sustained funding from member governments.
  4. Collaboration with CDERA and regional level efforts to identify appropriate research and training programs that responds to the capacity enhancement.
CDMP home page: http://www.oas.org/en/cdmp/ Project Contacts Page Last Updated: 20 April 2001