Navigating Challenges: How ChildFund Ensures Schools Are Climate-Resilient

Is our children's school safe? Schools are the primary spaces where children spend a significant portion of their time. Consequently, the design and construction of school infrastructure should prioritize the safety, security, and comfort of the children. Unfortunately, these factors are often overlooked.

Climate-Proof Bestek considers climate scenarios in the construction, renovation, and reinforcement of school buildings to mitigate the impact of climate change, thus creating a safe and protected learning environment for children. Sustainability factors are also taken into account. This means that in the event of natural phenomena such as rain, storms, or extreme weather, the school environment does not flood or suffer damage, ensuring the continuity of the teaching and learning process.

ChildFund applies these principles in the improvement of SDN Sidasari 3 in Cilacap, Central Java. The school's location results in high humidity on the floors and walls of the building. Every year, the school undergoes repainting of the walls, which constantly change color due to the growth of moss. Additionally, there are no drainage systems around the school or in the middle of the schoolyard. As a result, water puddles consistently form in the back and middle of the schoolyard, leading to the cancellation of outdoor activities such as ceremonies due to muddy conditions.

The condition of the toilets is highly concerning, lacking ventilation and lighting. This damp environment is exacerbated by the absence of water. Students have to bring water in buckets before using the toilet. The surroundings of the toilets are slippery, making students prone to slipping and returning to class with dirty shoes.

In contrast to conventional school designs, the concept of Climate-Proof Bestek takes into account four crucial aspects. First, it focuses not only on the school structure but also on the landscape, climate risks, biophysical factors, and child safety. Second, it integrates technical infrastructure, climate factors, and child safety. Third, it applies risk reduction principles. Fourth, it involves children, school management, and teachers in the consultation process.

The involvement of the school is a critical factor for sustainability. Besides serving as a means of knowledge transfer, this process also contributes to the school's confidence as the owner and user of the building. From the planning stage, cooperation and collaboration have been established, allowing the school to understand its roles and responsibilities, including those of the school head, teachers, school committee, and community figures.

The school forms a development committee and delegates tasks for managing finances, monitoring, and reporting, including identifying renovation contractors. Furthermore, consultations with local government, specifically the education departments at the district and county levels, are conducted to receive input and feedback.

Now, SDN Sidasari 3 has undergone drastic changes. Dark and humid spaces have transformed into brighter environments. Learning tools, such as desks that were previously damaged and posed a danger to students, have been replaced with child-friendly learning materials. Play areas and toilets now provide comfort and safety for all school occupants.