June 25, 2025 – Save the Children Thailand, alongside its partners in the Southern Border Provinces, proudly announced the successful conclusion of the "Developing Emergency Preparedness and Child Protection Plans Phase 2" project. This crucial initiative spanned three years in Yala province, reaching six communities and seven schools, and engaging over 2,000 participants. The project championed the active involvement of all sectors in disaster preparedness planning and developed vital best practices, which are now poised to inform policy recommendations at the provincial, national, and ASEAN regional levels.

The "Developing Emergency Preparedness and Child Protection Plans Phase 2" project received invaluable support from the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). Save the Children collaborated closely with the Association of Children and Youth for Peace in the Southern Border Provinces (Luuk Riang Group) and the Nusantara Foundation for Human Rights and Development. The project's core aim was to bolster the capabilities of schools and communities in the Southern Border Provinces, particularly in Yala, an area grappling with diverse risks from both natural and man-made threats. This empowerment enabled them to formulate comprehensive, context-specific emergency response plans through a deeply participatory process involving children, youth, religious leaders, local authorities, communities, and government agencies.

Over its three-year journey, Save the Children and its partners diligently implemented the project in the six pilot communities and seven schools. This involved the continuous development and practice of disaster response plans alongside the communities. With over 2,000 participants, including teachers, students, volunteers, community leaders, and local government officials, the project truly demonstrated widespread engagement and a significant enhancement of readiness at the local level. The success of this project unfolded on two distinct yet interconnected fronts: impactful work on the ground and robust support for government policy. It aligns seamlessly with the Department of Children and Youth's (DCY) National Child Protection Strategy and the Ministry of Education's Safe School Strategy, both of which are dedicated to fostering a secure environment for children, safeguarding them from all types of hazards.

The project meticulously distilled experiences and lessons learned from its field operations to craft compelling policy recommendations. These insights are intended for application by various agencies at the provincial, national, and ASEAN regional levels. Save the Children's paramount objective is to champion "Child Protection in Emergencies" as an issue of profound importance at every level, ensuring adequate allocation of budget and well-prepared personnel, and committing to its sustained, long-term implementation.

Save the Children firmly asserts that collaborative partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society are the lynchpin for systemic transformation. This includes empowering children and youth to take leading roles in disaster planning and response, seamlessly integrating disaster response plans into school and community systems, and significantly strengthening the vital role of local volunteers. Sustained investment in preparedness systems will forge robust and all-encompassing child protection frameworks, safeguarding every child from future vulnerabilities.

Mr. Guillaume Rachou, Executive Director of Save the Children Thailand, remarked, “The recent earthquake in Thailand serves as a poignant reminder that we all inhabit a world of inherent uncertainties. Both natural and man-made calamities can strike at any moment. This underscores precisely why preparedness is not merely beneficial but essential – to protect the lives and fundamental rights of every child, ensuring their safety and appropriate care.”

“Drawing from our global experience, safeguarding children in emergencies must commence at the grassroots level. This project irrefutably demonstrates that when schools, communities, and the government unite, children are effectively protected. The critical path forward involves translating these exemplary local practices into actionable policies at both provincial and national levels. This requires systematic integration of efforts across government, private sector, and civil society, concurrently fostering the active participation of children, youth, and local volunteers in preparedness. We must embed disaster response plans permanently within school and community systems and persistently advocate for continuous investment in child protection frameworks, so that every child can thrive in safety, even amidst crisis,” Mr. Rachou further emphasized.

The project's closing event featured a rich tapestry of engaging activities, including compelling presentations of outcomes and invaluable lessons from model communities. A thought-provoking panel discussion offered diverse perspectives from government partners, civil society, and community leaders. A simulated explosion drill provided a powerful opportunity for children and communities to actively participate in realistic preparedness exercises. The event culminated in a heartfelt awards ceremony, honoring organizations and individuals who played pivotal roles in supporting the project throughout its three-year duration. Reporters observed that the atmosphere was charged with the powerful energy of cooperation and hope, underscoring that "child safety" is not the sole responsibility of any single entity, but rather a collective societal mission that must be pursued with unwavering sustainability.