Buckleys Primary School in Antigua has emerged as a model institution for disaster readiness, following a comprehensive earthquake preparedness drill conducted on Tuesday. The exercise, which involved the entire student body of over 100 children, was observed and evaluated by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) as part of ongoing efforts to fortify the education sector against natural hazards.
The school’s enhanced preparedness capabilities stem from its inclusion in the transformative Model Safe School Programme Enhancement Works. This regional initiative, spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, represents a significant investment in school safety. The program, made possible through substantial funding from the Government of Norway in 2024, focuses on both physical infrastructure improvements and the development of robust emergency protocols.
This strategic collaboration between national agencies and international partners demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. By upgrading school facilities and implementing regular, realistic drills, the program aims to create educational environments that can better withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters, thereby protecting both students and staff.