We’re excited to announce that our Train the Trainers materials in Spanish have been successfully integrated into a program led by the Red Cross of Costa Rica. Under the leadership of Shirley Blackshaw and her dedicated team, this initiative works closely with local schools to strengthen emergency preparedness and foster community resilience. Our specially developed training resources are a component of this broader resilience effort, taking place within the biodiverse and ecologically significant Pacuare Reserve.

About the Pacuare Reserve

The Pacuare Reserve is an 800-hectare natural area rich in biodiversity, home to species such as the leatherback turtle and the rare agami heron. The Red Cross works closely with the local community, providing essential tools and training in emergency preparedness and first aid. In exchange, the community gains access to the reserve for scientific studies and educational workshops focused on marine and terrestrial species.

This partnership is part of a larger strategy to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthen community resilience.

Emergency Preparedness Implementation in Schools

The Train the Trainers program has been very successful in implementing emergency preparedness guides across 11 schools, reaching 244 children in total. The schools engaged include:

• Pacuare Project School
• La Excelencia de Bataan School
• La Margarita School
• San Marcos Educational Centre
• La Inmaculada Educational Center

Teachers and students alike have found the activity booklets highly effective. Shirley Blackshaw highlights the program’s positive community impact, noting the enthusiastic involvement not only of the children but also of their families and neighbours, strengthening local awareness and preparedness.

Engaging Students: Riskland Game

Students have also enjoyed Riskland, a dynamic disaster preparedness game played on a large 3m x 2m canvas. This innovative approach keeps children active and motivated, combining learning and play to better prepare them for emergencies.

Looking Ahead

With the increased activity at Poás Volcano, there are plans to introduce a specialised volcano emergency preparedness guide. Additionally, Shirley emphasises how the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction serves as a vital tool in her work with schools and young people, helping align local actions with global resilience goals.

This project exemplifies how local collaborations and practical education can empower communities, helping them become more resilient to natural hazards. A heartfelt thank you to Shirley Blackshaw, the Red Cross of Costa Rica, local schools, families, and the Pacuare Reserve for including our Train the Trainers materials and their commitment to building safer and more informed communities.

Pictures corutesy of Shirley Blackshaw.