Eighth Graders Prepared to Respond Safely in the Event of an Earthquake

Smederevska Palanka, 30 January 2026 - One hundred eighth-grade students from ‘Olga Milošević’ Primary School in Smederevska Palanka, together with their teachers, participated today in training on safe responses in the event of an earthquake. Through lectures, an interactive quiz, and an evacuation drill, they gained new knowledge about health and safety risks and practised practical skills through teamwork, helping them to react more calmly and confidently in emergency situations. The event was organised by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support of the European Union (EU), in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia, the Municipality of Smederevska Palanka, and relevant local authorities.

“Designing and organising this type of hands-on learning, in a way that is both educational and enjoyable is extremely important”, said Radmila Radisavljević, President of the Municipal Assembly of Smederevska Palanka, thanking students and teachers for responding to the invitation to participate in the programme.

“This is not just an exercise, but a comprehensive programme that informs students about hazards and ways to mitigate their consequences. It is an innovative programme that will undoubtedly contribute to readiness for appropriate action in the event of a real catastrophe”, said Jadranka Vuković, Head of the Emergency Management Department in Smederevo, from the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior.

UNDP representative Violeta Sretenović emphasised the importance of adequate preparedness in schools and among children for responding to earthquakes and other emergencies. 

“Schools play a key role in building a culture of safety and prevention. Knowledge and prevention are crucial for reducing risks and protecting lives, and these skills should be learned from an early age, through play and in a safe environment. By teaching children how to respond in crisis situations, we build more resilient and safer communities”, Sretenović highlighted.

Representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior, and UNDP presented a computer to Olga Milošević Primary School, while the Municipal Emergency Management Headquarters received a generator and ten sets of personal protective equipment.

This event was organised within the project “EU for the Healthcare System in Serbia”, funded by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior.