Disaster Protection Makes School: Oberbergischer Kreis advances district-wide implementation of the pilot project Around 100 participants at regional networking meetings – initial follow-up projects for the 2026/27 school year already in planning

In total, around 100 participants accepted the invitation. During the events, experiences from the pilot project were presented, contacts were established, and initial ideas for their own formats and measures were developed. The early networking of various stakeholders within the municipalities makes it possible to illuminate the topic for students from different perspectives.

"The pilot project already demonstrated the potential of collaboration between schools, municipalities, and disaster protection stakeholders. By linking curriculum content with practical experiences, students were sensitized to topics such as self-protection, self-help, and disaster preparedness. At the same time, disaster protection organizations and associations were made visible as important partners," says Birgit Steuer, head of the Oberberg Education Office.

In several municipalities, initial follow-up events for planning their own projects and measures for students have already taken place. First concrete implementations in schools are expected for the 2026/27 school year.

"The past years have shown how important preparedness and action security are in case of disasters. Schools can make a decisive contribution by sensitizing young people early on and imparting skills that go far beyond everyday school life," emphasizes David Mauelshagen, Department for Fire, Civil, and Disaster Protection - Civil and Disaster Protection Division.

The Oberberg Education Office, the Department for Fire, Civil, and Disaster Protection, and Projektagentur Oberberg GmbH continue to provide advisory support to municipalities and schools. The aim is to make proven concepts, teaching materials, contacts, and experiences from the pilot project available and thereby facilitate the development of tailored local formats.

With the expansion of the initiative to the entire district area, a network is to be created in the long term that connects education, municipal responsibility, and disaster protection. This way, young people can not only acquire knowledge but also become multipliers in their families and social environment – an important contribution to a resilient and capable society.