Insufficient knowledge on risks and risk reduction measures exposes communities to greater impact of hazards. Schools can play a major role in reducing the vulnerability of students and local communities. Educating school teachers and students on effective disaster pre­paredness and response mechanisms has a multiplier effect at household and community levels and will help create a ‘culture of preparedness’ that spans the generations. A CBDRM project was initiated in forty schools in Sri Lanka by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, in partnership with the Disaster Management Centre, where students were engaged in learning about the conceptual aspects of disaster risk assessment and management as well as its practical application on the ground. Published in 2009.