Crisis preparedness becomes part of education in Estonia
From the new academic year, teachers in Estonia will be able to introduce young people to the topics of crisis preparedness and civil protection. A newly developed civil protection competency model by the Estonian Rescue Services Agency serves as a support material for teachers, outlining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students should acquire in order to cope better during crises.
Introducing civil protection topics at school starting from the first grade provides students with essential knowledge and skills to act according to the situation and to remain calm in a crisis. The more people are able to act independently and with awareness in different crisis situations, the more lives we can save, the more we can prevent harm to health, the environment, and property, and the more effectively we can support those in need.
"A crisis doesn’t announce its arrival or ask for one’s age. Our task is to ensure that society is not only protected but also informed, resilient and ready to act in any situation, as awareness and preparedness can save lives. Addressing civil protection topics from an early age equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to stay calm and act appropriately during a crisis," said Minister of the Interior Igor Taro.
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas added: "The role of our schools is not only to provide academic knowledge, but also to prepare young people for life – including unexpected situations. The civil protection competency model helps teachers integrate crisis preparedness skills into daily teaching, helping to develop students’ independence, cooperation skills, and self-confidence. In this way, we raise a generation that knows how to protect themselves and others."
The competency model outlines, by education stage, the most important knowledge and skills students should acquire. It covers various civil protection topics such as risks and crises, hazard communication and crisis information, preparing for and responding to a crisis, sheltering, large-scale evacuation, and psychological first aid.
The civil protection competency model was developed in cooperation between the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Police and Border Guard Board, the Social Insurance Board, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, the Estonian Defence Resources Agency, the Cooperation Network of Teachers’ Associations, and the Estonian School Leaders Association.
The competency model (in Estonian) can be accessed on the Estonian Rescue Services Agency website.