SCG fosters a culture of earthquake safety

Driven by the commitment to expanding its contribution to all communities where it operates, Siam Cement Group has taken this opportunity to share knowledge on how to minimise damage to lives and properties.
In collaboration with the Yangon Region Ministry of Education, it is set to distribute earthquake safety and preparedness learning materials to primary schools in Yangon and Mawlamyine. On June 18, the first batch of such educational materials were handed to Myint Thein of the Social Affairs Ministry, and teachers.
“In line with our sustainable development principles and safety policy, SCG is highly aware of the significant impacts of natural disasters, which increasingly take place across Asean, due to climate change and global warming. With Myanmar resting on one of the world's main earthquake belts, there is a heightened likelihood of an event, and it will be detrimental if people are not properly educated on how to respond,” said Sorasak Keeratichokechaikul, government & public affairs manager, SCG Myanmar.
Five thousand sets of learning materials will be distributed to public school classes, grades 4-5, across the two cities. As part of the module, students will receive drawing books, along with colored pencils, that provide simple steps to take when an earthquake occurs, while making it fun to learn and easy to understand.
Teachers will be provided with a Do’s and Don’ts poster to hang in the school to raise awareness with students and other teachers, and an educational DVD will provide detailed information which is essential to the lessons. The multimedia component will cover earthquake facts, safety measures, investigation of infrastructure and the reconstruction of buildings post-earthquake. SCG will also host sessions for the teachers to equip them with the knowledge needed to teach their students.
“Through the education of youth, we believe there will be a ripple effect of knowledge to their families – as children will share their lessons with parents, grandparents and siblings,” said Sorasak.
The earthquake safety initiative is tailored for the Myanmar market by the SCG Myanmar team working closely with experts to develop the materials, and providing local insights throughout the process.
The Yangon Ministry of Education will distribute the materials to schools in Yangon, and plan to work with SCG to continue rolling-out the program to more schools over the year. The modules will also be provided to schools in Mawlamyine.
The earthquake safety module is part of a series of CSR activities implemented by SCG to improve the livelihoods of people in Myanmar, aside from scholarships under the Sharing the Dream programme.