The Seismology at School in Nepal has successfully organized the 4th International Workshop on Educational Seismology on April 6 – 8, 2024, in Lakeside, Pokhara, with the main theme of preparing for future earthquakes.
The event was organized by SASIN with the support of University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The workshop aimed to train teachers from various districts of Nepal, equipping them with the necessary instruments, skills, and knowledge to educate pupils about earthquakes and their preparedness. A total of 60 participants, including teachers, students from more than 40 schools, and esteemed speakers, actively engaged in the enriching sessions.
Workshop group photo
For the workshop, we invited well-known global experts in the domain of education seismology, both physically and virtually. Dr. Sarah Houghton from the United Kingdom, Prof. Dr. Michelle Salmon from The Australian National University, Prof. Dr. György Hetényi from University of Lausanne, Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhungel from NAST, Dr. Lok Bijaya Adhikari from Nepal Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre under Department of Mines and Geology, Dr. Shiba Subedi from NAST, SASIN, and Mr. Pradeep Dhodari presented in the workshop.
Apart from presentations and discussions, we were also involved in the demonstration of different earthquake-related concerns, for example, why we cannot predict earthquakes, why different-height buildings respond differently during an earthquake, what causes earthquakes in the Himalayas, etc.
During the workshop, we visited a school in Pokhara to do earthquake evacuation exercises, where all participants actively participated in earthquake drill exercises. The purpose of this exercise was to improve earthquake emergency plans and preparation. We thoroughly followed the Earthquake Evacuation Procedure Guide prepared by Dr. Sarah et al. for SASIN for the drills. Lessons learned by teachers in the field could be implemented in their schools. In addition, we visited the International Mountain Museum with interested teachers to explore nature-related knowledge.
The workshop’s activities came to a crucial conclusion during the closing session, graced by the presence of Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, Secretary of NAST, as the Chief Guest. The event ended with great success for both speakers and participants.
Selected photos and video clips taken during the workshop are presented below.
Dr. Sarah Houghton presenting in the workshop
Participants in the workshop
Dr. Sarah Houghton presenting EEP Guide in the workshop
Dr. Shiba Subedi presenting in the workshop
Dr. Lok Bijaya Adhikari presenting in the workshop
Prof Dr. Michelle Salmon presenting in the workshop
Prof Dr. György Hetényi presenting in the workshop
Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhungel presenting in the workshop