Participatory School Safety and Community Risk Assessment: The Case of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study aims to identify potential hazards, the most vulnerable elements, existing capacities, possible risk reduction strategies and to develop future action plan. The study was undertaken in two purposively sampled woredas. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. In Ebinat woreda drought, malaria, water born disease, pest infestation, animal disease, snow hell, theft and security problem, windstorm, school facility problem, dropout and absenteeism, heat wave and traffic accident were identified. In Dembiya woreda human disease, Lake Tana siltation, water hyacinth, pest infestation, animal disease, natural resource degradation, windstorm, school facility problem, sexual harassment, improper electricity poles installation and unemployment were identified. Proportional prioritization method was used to rank identified hazards. For the most prioritized hazards women, children and persons with disability were found highly vulnerable human elements. Crops and livestock were found highly vulnerable to drought hazard. Capacities were identified by using sustainable livelihood framework capitals. In the Ebinat risk of drought, school facility shortage, and school dropout and absenteeism were found high. In the Dembiya risk of pest infestation and livestock disease were found high. Risk of windstorm and school facility problem were found high. For determined risks, 25 and 18 possible risk reduction strategies were identified in the Ebinat and Dembiya woredas executing and funding bodies. Thus, school safety should be given a prior agenda for those interested in school related works and this should not be seen isolated from the wellbeing of the community.