For almost 20 years the Disaster Preparedness Plans of the communities of Stepanavan Area Development Programme (ADP) have gone untouched, despite the recent history of earthquakes in this mountainous area. Perhaps just as alarming, no training programmes have been conducted for children and youth to increase their knowledge around disaster preparedness, first aid, and disaster response.

To help make these communities more prepared to face a disaster, World Vision Armenia joined with Lore Rescue Team and the Stepanavan branch of the Armenian Red Cross to run a Disaster Preparedness and Impact Mitigation project through the Churches in Partnership programme.

Children from 20 communities aged 14 to16 participated in training on disaster preparedness, first aid, and disaster response. 'The classes are very practical. We make the knowledge of children firmer through simulations. Now children know a lot about the risks their communities have and how they should act during the disasters', said Armen Arakelyan, president of Lore Rescue Team.

'I remember the devastating Spitak earthquake of 1988 when we lost many children because they were unaware of simple things and were unable to protect themselves. Many died not from appearing under the ruins but because of the dust. It would be enough to breathe through fabric and to stay alive. Now we can prevent', said Sergey Sahakyan, World Vision Armenia Humanitarian Emergency Affairs Expert.

Disaster preparedness plans initially drafted for the communities are outdated and only provide information related to the outbreak of conflict. Yet the mountainous terrain in this region is more likely to contribute to earthquakes, landslides, hailstones, strong winds, damaged roads and bridges. All of the preparedness plans developed are alike and do not reflect the unique needs of communities.

In addition to training programmes, Lore Rescue Detachment conducted risk assessments for all Stepanavan communities. Based on the assessment, Disaster Preparedness Plans are developed that include short and long term plans of action. The plans also explain the role of World Vision during the disasters.

'In the developed community it is easier for the villagers to confront disasters. We will continue implementing mini projects in the communities that will empower the communities to reduce their vulnerability', said Lianna Sargsyan, Stepanavan ADP manager.

'Apart from the natural disasters there are so many manmade hazards that do not have instantaneous effects but create serious difficulties. One of them is the garbage; we pour it into the rivers and gorges. Plastic bags and garbage are everywhere and we are unable to control the animals that feed next to the garbage. Communities are ready to struggle but we need help from professionals,' said the head of Gargar Community Karen Zalinyan.

Community members relayed their appreciation of seeing their children participating in simulations and learning from professionals how to be prepared for hazards and to give first aid. Special handbooks were distributed to children of different age groups to help them learn through games and puzzles.

'There are some rescue and humanitarian organisations that have the knowledge of disaster preparedness and response but we will not be able to reduce the risks and vulnerability unless we have not passed the knowledge to the communities. There are some cases that do not require big investments but can decrease the risks', added Sergey Sahakyan.