Regional Government launches two new civil protection projects in schools
Angra do Heroísmo
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
The Government of the Azores has launched the E+PROCIV Programme and “The Adventures of Super Açor” series, two new initiatives aimed at strengthening prevention and safety in schools by highlighting the work carried out by Civil Protection Clubs and providing new educational resources aimed at children and young people.
“With these two projects, we want to provide a new impetus to civil protection in schools. E+PROCIV recognises the work of the clubs and encourages new initiatives, whilst "The Adventures of Super Açor" brings this knowledge to children through stories, games and challenges that invite them to participate and learn,” stated the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel.
E+PROCIV recognises the work carried out by Civil Protection Clubs by granting Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to schools that excel in promoting safety, prevention and active citizenship.
The assessment takes into account the organisation and running of clubs, risk education, safety in the school context, community involvement and the capacity for initiative. The winning clubs receive a certificate, an E+PROCIV flag and institutional recognition.
The programme also provides financial support for the development of new activities. The three clubs distinguished with the Gold award receive €500 each, whilst the six distinguished with the Silver award receive €250 each.
“More than just a competition between schools, this programme aims to encourage participation, the sharing of experiences and the improvement of the work carried out, acknowledging the commitment of students and teachers and helping to ensure their ideas are taken forward,” emphasised Alonso Miguel.
At the same time, the “The Adventures of Super Açor” series features monthly digital magazines combining comic strips, safety advice, games and challenges. The topics covered include earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, family emergency plans and the use of the European emergency number 112.
The practical component of the project includes a booklet containing 12 stickers linked to missions organised by Civil Protection Clubs. Completing and validating the challenges gives students the chance to complete the collection, linking the knowledge they have acquired to preventative and safety behaviours.
“We want children to get involved, ask questions and discover how they can contribute to their own safety and that of others. The stories spark their interest, and the tasks help them turn what they learn into practical actions,” stated the government official.
Both initiatives fall within the guidelines defined by the XIV Government of the Azores for civil protection. Given the Azores’ exposure to adverse natural phenomena, the Government considers it essential to strengthen the prevention and response capacity in the face of risk situations, serious accidents or disasters. The Programme of the Government recognises civil protection as an essential part of the Region’s life and history.
“In the Azores, civil protection is also fostered in schools. What children learn is passed on to their families and the wider community, helping to create a more aware and better-prepared population. It is this joint effort that we wish to continue strengthening, as educating people about prevention means building a safer future,” concluded Alonso Miguel.
