Save the Children is pleased to announce the results of the 2015 Disaster Risk Reduction Student Essay Competition.  A total of 313 essays were submitted from 112 schools across Thailand: 161 essays for grades 4-6 and 152 essays for grades 7-9.A panel of seven experts met on 21 December to review the entries, including experts on Disaster Risk Reduction in Thailand from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS) and Save the Children; and on use of language from Faculty of Liberal Arts and the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).  The judges spent almost a week ahead of the judging session to review all of the entries and provide their scores according to Save the Children’s criteria.  The judging session took almost eight hours to identify the winners for each category.Allison Zelkowitz, Save the Children Thailand Country Director, said “The judges were impressed with the quality of the entries received and very pleased with the number of interested students from all over Thailand, showing that so many children from across the country understand the importance of their role in Disaster Risk Reduction.”The essay winners and awardees include:“Children Can Take Care of Themselves during Disasters” for students of grades 4-6 or equivalent:1st prize - Suchada Yahatta, Baan Khlong Luang School, Samut Prakarn Province2nd prize - Udomchok Sangnok, Baan Pa Lao School, Phetchabun Province3rd prize - Nitipoom Makkhakhet, Anuban Satun School, Satun ProvinceHonorable Mention – Parnkwan Porkaew, Sattahip School, Chonburi ProvinceHonorable Mention – Suthita Saengpao, Wat Premprachakorn School, Pathumthani Province“Children and Disaster Risk Reduction: We Can Do More Than What Adults Think” for students of grades 7-9 or equivalent:1st prize - Suayhan Lungya, Baan Ton Phueng School, Chiang Mai Province2nd prize - Saharat Joeykaew, Baan Payom Pittayakhom, Pattalung Province3rd prize - Kansini Tolar, Uthaiwittayakhom School, Uthai Thani ProvinceHonorable Mention – Napharat Arsasu, Bang Phli Ratbamrung School, Samut Prakan ProvinceHonorable Mention – Sutheewara Salam, Roi Et Wittayalai School, Roi Et ProvinceThe winners were selected based on how their essays reflected a clear understanding and application of various criteria, such as the role of children in helping their families and communities during disasters and their ability of take care of themselves, as well as creativity in their writing.For the Honorable Mentions, the project donor has requested to select the awardees for both of the topics.  The results for these two prizes will be announced in January 2016.The Disaster Risk Reduction Student Essay Competition is part of a wider Disaster Risk Reduction project implemented by Save the Children and supported by Family Mart, aiming to help children and communities to improve disaster and risk awareness, and increase their safety and resilience.###For more information or media contact:Songporn LeelakitichokCommunications and Advocacy CoordinatorSave the Children ThailandEmail: bea.leelakitichok@savethechildren.org