SAFE SCHOOLS BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF THE CALLENGES FOR PROTECTION AND WELL-BEING IN THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The porpose of this article is to analyze the current challenges related to emergency prevention and response in the Colombian school environment. Using a multi-method approach based on the positivist and interpretive paradigms, a phenomenological research study was conducted with students in semester 1A1 of the complementary training program at the María Auxiliadora de Girardot Normal School (ENSMA). Serious institutional shortcomings were detected, such as the absence of emergency plans, a lack of a preventive culture, a shortage of basic supplies for response, and poor training for faculty and students.In response, educational strategies were developed focusing on risk management training, hazard mapping, emergency plan dissemination, school brigade formation, and drills, using the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Ministry of Housing, and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management as references. The results highlight the importance of developing prepared educational communities capable of responding effectively before, during, and after an emergency. It is concluded that strengthening institutional capacities through teacher training enables progress toward safer, more resilient schools committed to the protection and well-being of all their members.