The Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched on Monday the Procedural Manual for Crises, Emergencies and Safe Evacuation, which was prepared to enhance awareness about security and safety in the school environment, and to introduce the necessary precautionary measures in case of crises and emergencies in public and private schools.

The manual includes many cases such as preparedness, power outages, water and gas leaks, weapons presence in schools, brawl and violence, vandalism, fire, earthquakes, landslides, storms and heavy rains, safe evictions, an unidentified person in the school building and global response measures in emergencies, and other anticipated situations, and the necessary preventive measures in this regard.

Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, undersecretary, the Ministry of Education, said at a press conference that the manual represents a reference frame to be used in crises and emergencies that occur in schools and educational institutions in Qatar, describing it as comprehensive and adequate. “It represents a clear road map showing how to respond to crises that could occur in the state schools, including medical emergencies, fire, disease outbreaks, mass poisoning, cases of violence and death, building collapse, power outages and other crisis in accordance with international standards in this regard.”

He expressed hope that the manual will be activated in schools. He commended the role played by Qatari Energy and Industrial Services and its sponsorship in the preparation of film for safe evacuation, which constituted a qualitative and practical addition to school security.

Al-Nuaimi explained that the preparation of the manual is in line with the pillar of social development in Qatar National Vision 2030, which considers public safety and security as one of the most important factors of social stability, and an important requirement for prosperity and social welfare.

He pointed out that the manual comes from the vision of the ministry and its willingness to promote a safe and supportive school environment for academic achievement, in which the student, teacher and all members of the school family are reassured about their lives and properties.

For his part, Mohamed Maraghi, director, health and safety department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, explained the objectives of the manual and the mechanisms of its implementation. “Its goal is to be a quick reference framework for responding to crises and emergencies in public and private schools.”

Members of the ministry's Crisis and Emergency Management Committee took part in the conference where they highlighted manual’s objectives and contents, and the safety and security measures in schools and requirements. They stressed the keenness of the ministry to achieve all this in schools as a priority, reassuring parents that their children receive their education in a safe environment. (QNA)


Related Story