Online lecture delivered to the students of Konan Women’s University [Japan]
On 22nd April, SEEDS Asia Executive Director Mitsuko Otsuyama was invited to deliver a lecture for the online course on NPO/NGO theory at Konan Women’s University. She spoke on the theme of “To make individuals and communities safer and disaster-resilient”.
In the lecture, she explained that hydro-meteorological disasters such as floods and typhoons are becoming more severe and frequent, and many of the events are in fact concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region. To overcome the challenge of developing appropriate mechanisms, the lessons we learned from the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, “the importance of self-help and mutual help,” is very relevant today in the context of disaster risk reduction policies. In addition, she introduced the case of Myanmar, which is currently facing unstable political conditions. The lessons learnt from SEEDS Asia’s project in the country, in addition to public help, also highlights the collective power of “network-help,” which has played an important role in capacity building of individuals and communities.
One of the students who participated in the lecture said, “The words self-help and public help are often said, but it was my first time to hear of “network-help.” There are people who cannot receive any assistance or are left behind in public assistance programs during disasters, and it is necessary for NPOs and other organizations to work to not leave anyone behind.” Other students mentioned, “I learned a new perspective from the lecture that conducting hydro-meteorological education and drills is very effective to minimize disaster damages in countries like Myanmar, which are common education methods adopted in Japan.” “It is important to look for what you can do and take action.” We hope that this lecture motivates the younger generation, who will indeed create the future, to be a part of global/regional issues.
This lecture was introduced by Community Support Center Kobe. SEEDS Asia would like to sincerely thank the Center for the arrangements.