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On March 5, Civic Force staff member Sachie Onodera conducted an online guest lecture titled "Let’s Learn About Disaster Preparedness” for 138 fourth-grade students at Higashi-Mozu Elementary School in Sakai City, Osaka.

While the students had previously researched types of natural disasters, none had personal experience with large-scale catastrophes like the Great East Japan Earthquake. To meet the faculty's goal of deepening disaster risk awareness, the lecture highlighted Civic Force’s relief efforts during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and the Ofunato City forest fires.

Through interactive quizzes and a review of Civic Force’s relief assistance, students explored practical preparedness steps manageable for elementary-age children. The session sparked a lively exchange, with students raising questions around personal safety and empathy for others such as identifying safe shelter locations beyond the bathroom and caring for pets during emergencies.

The dialogue emphasized the sanctity of life and discussed various ways to support disaster-stricken regions. A key takeaway was the importance of having disaster preparedness cards - portable cards containing names and evacuation locations. 

Student Feedback:

“There are many things we elementary students can do. By protecting my own life, I might be able to help others who are calling for aid."

"I want to keep a hazard map in my emergency bag."

"When a disaster happens, I want to help so that everyone can survive."

"I will cherish my one and only life."

Teacher Feedback

Teachers noted a significant shift in student engagement. Previously, information from books and the internet felt distant to those without disaster experience. However, the use of real-world rescue footage and firsthand accounts from Civic Force staff provided a sense of realism that resonated deeply.

One educator remarked the students were inspired by Onodera’s words: "Doing what you can as a child frees up resources to help someone else." This insight provided a fresh perspective, prompting students to fill their reflection papers with specific actions they intend to take.