School-based MET Club begins its journey to combat disasters
Due to its geographical location, the people of Bangladesh have to survive by fighting against various natural disasters and adversities. An exceptional initiative has been taken to prepare the country’s children and adolescents to combat these disasters and to reach the marginalized people of the country through them. In collaboration with Save the Children in Bangladesh, the MET Club National Launching was held under the Child Center Intensive Action Project under the joint initiative of RIMS, YPSA, JAGO NARI and SKS. The Meteorology Club; known as ‘MET Club’ for short, was established with the children and adolescents of the country. With the aim of reducing national disaster risk, this club officially started its journey on Tuesday, August 19, bringing forward young leadership. A colorful program was organized on this occasion at the Harmony Hall of the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.
The event was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Md. Ashraf Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management Nitai Chandra Dey, Director of BMD Md. Momenul Islam, Director Humanitarian of Save the Children Md. Mostaq Hossain, Director of RIMS Md. Raihanul Haque, CEO of Jagonari, Hosne Ara Hasi, Director of IPSA Nasim Banu, officials of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Ministry of Disaster Management, representatives of various development organizations and students, parents and teachers of Met Club.
In his speech, the chief guest said, “Children need to be involved in information technology and forecasting-based activities. Then this message can be spread everywhere and they can decide what to do in the next disaster. The impact of cyclones, floods, landslides and climate change has disrupted our lives and livelihoods. Behind every disaster is not just the number of casualties, but the stories of our children. They struggle the most with school closures, loss of homes, and uncertainty about the future. But we know that children are not weak. They have immense power within them. They can be catalysts for change, keep their families and communities safe, and become the voices of a safer Bangladesh tomorrow.’
The main objectives of the event were: 1) to bring child and youth leadership to the fore; 2) to highlight the club’s activities and long-term impact; 3) to exchange knowledge with schools, communities, governments, development agencies, and donors; and 4) to include MET Clubs in the national disaster risk reduction program.
The event brought together child and youth leadership, teachers and educators, government representatives, development and humanitarian agencies, community representatives, and international donor agencies from different districts. It was a unique gathering of collaboration, innovation, and recognition of children’s achievements. The stakeholders hope that this initiative will open a new horizon.
The initiative is expected to expand child-led weather monitoring and early warning systems. The MET Club model will spread to schools and communities across the country. Partnerships between government agencies, development partners and international organizations will be strengthened. And most importantly, we will build a culture based on awareness, preparedness, inclusion and responsibility.
Published on: Friday, 22 August 2025, 12:23 am ▪ Total View of this Page: 44
