​The nine-day-long programme, hosted by the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre in Goodwood, challenged the girls on a number of life skills and disaster risk management related topics such as risks associated with climate change and biodiversity. Managing the risks associated with disasters is all about being informed, prepared, and equipped to assist in the event of a disaster.  
 
The programme also acknowledges the role millions of women and girls play in making their communities more resilient to disasters and climate change risks.
 
‘The role that women and girls play in their communities should not be underestimated. This programme is aimed at building more resilient communities, but the City is also ensuring that the young people who attend the programme leave more empowered, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to help change behaviour, make better choices and create situations wherein they are less vulnerable,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
 
Participants also learned important first aid interventions such as the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, firefighting, and doing a basic photography bootcamp. Lessons on how to develop leadership qualities and learning soft skills to deal with social vulnerabilities added value to the programme. They were also exposed to the functions of the Disaster Co-ordinating Team during an emergency evacuation exercise in the mobile Joint Operations Centre.
 
‘Resilience is not only about being fearless in the face of adversity; it’s also about having the inner strength and confidence to lead by example in assisting those in need. I am certain that this programme has given the participants the knowledge and know-how to assist the community. These young community members will be ambassadors for the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre by assisting with increasing the awareness on disaster risk reduction,’ added Alderman Smith.

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