Safer Homes, More Resilient Communities: Youth as Changemakers for Disaster Risk Reduction

How can students help their families prepare for natural hazards and advocate for safer homes?

In Thai Nguyen Province, Viet Nam, an interactive student contest, organized by IOM Viet Nam and the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA), will put young people at the centre of disaster preparedness. Through practical learning, presentations, competitions and dialogue, students will explore how to reduce disaster risks, strengthen housing safety and bring these lessons into their homes and communities.

Homes play a critical role in protecting people from natural disasters. Understanding local risks, preparing early and improving housing safety can help families reduce their vulnerability. With a focus on Viet Nam’s northern mountainous region, the initiative will equip students with knowledge and practical skills to promote safer housing practice and encourage preparedness among their families and peers

Why Thai Nguyen?  

Thai Nguyen was among the areas most severely affected by Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo and subsequent flooding in 2025. The disasters claimed seven lives, injured three people, inundated 70,000 houses and prompted the emergency evacuation of approximately 3,500 households. These impacts highlight the importance of strengthening household preparedness alongside wider community efforts to reduce disaster risk. 

IOM Viet Nam also provided cash assistance to help nearly 2,200 households rebuild their homes in Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen, four provinces severely affected by the 2025 storm and subsequent flooding under the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea. 

From Learning to Action  

Through interactive extracurricular activities, student presentations, competitions and eloquent contest, participants will explore how to: 

• Increased public understanding on disaster risks: Recognize risks facing households and communities and explore how safer housing and climate change adaptation contribute to resilience. 
• Share knowledge: Bring practical lessons and resources into their families, schools and communities. 
• Advocate for safer shelters practice: Encourage households to take informed, proactive steps to improve housing safety and reduce vulnerability. 
• Strengthen partnership: Connect students, schools, families, communities and local authorities in disaster risk reduction and climate action. 

The event will provide a platform for young people to share their perspectives, engage with the audience and connect disaster management policies with practical action at home. 

By taking learning beyond the classroom, the contest will support students to become advocates for disaster preparedness, helping their families and communities build safer, more resilient futures.