INEE Teaching and Learning Initiative Case Study: Earthquake Training in Sichuan Province, China

TWB has been involved with science inquiry education efforts in Sichuan Province since 2006, but the context of TWB’s focus on earthquake education (post-crisis) is shaped by the circumstances of the Sichuan Earthquake of May, 2008. Earthquake activity has been recognized as the most damaging hazard in the areas surrounding the India-Eurasian continental collision zone. Systemic substandard school design and construction exacerbate risks to school-aged children in many countries surrounding the Himalayas. The Sichuan Earthquake occurred during school hours and, as a result, students accounted for a significant percentage of the casualties. Overall, it is estimated that about 69,000 people were killed, more than 370,000 people were injured, and at least 4.8 million people were left homeless.

The high casualty figures among students placed great pressure on educational officials to prevent a possible recurrence of the tragedy through better preparation for future earthquakes. TWB has worked to train teachers to prepare for earthquakes that may occur during school hours using curricula adapted to the particular geohazards of the region. The purpose of TWB’s involvement is: (1) to provide accurate information about earthquakes. This includes earthquake hazards as well as science and mitigation techniques to help school communities prepare for future earthquake events; (2) to engage school communities, particularly teachers and administrators, in the emergency response planning that occurs at the local and regional levels.