Role of Education in Shaping Preparedness for Disasters in Albania

Abstract

Education system is much affected by the challenges imposed by disasters. Disasters affect both demand and supply side of education. During a disaster event, the less developed communities are the ones who bear the highest costs of a damaged environment, and this affects also education provision. These impacts affect the quality of education and jeopardize the security of students and teachers involved in the process of teaching and learning. This article will focus on the importance of disaster risk communication and perception, in the context of implementing a complete disaster management cycle. In particular, attention will be paid to the impacts and role of education, as an important tool for risk communication, emphasized in both research and practice. The methodology the paper includes both desk research and primary data collection. The needs of implementing disaster risk studies in higher education institutions is thoroughly assessed. The past experience with inter-disciplinary studies in the Balkan Region and in Albania is summarized. In-depth interviews are in addition conducted to support our study. Accordingly, conclusion on the needs to develop and integrate disaster studies in current curricula in Higher Education in Albania are elaborated.

Received: 1 June 2021 / Accepted: 10 July 2021 / Published: 15 July 2021