In conjunction with the International Day for Disaster Reduction on the 11th of October 2006, MERCY Malaysia’s President, Datuk Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, gave a talk at the APIIT Smart School in Petaling Jaya on the 6th of October 2006. This is also marked the beginning of MERCY Malaysia’s affiliation with APIIT Smart School.

The theme of the talk was “Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School”, in line with the United Nations’ theme that highlights the need to keep our children safe and to involve them directly in our work to strengthen disaster preparedness. The International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction which falls on the second Wednesday of every October was declared by the General Assembly in 1989. This day symbolizes a vehicle to promote global culture of natural disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

“A disaster is defined as an incident when there’s destruction of lives and disruption of normal activities whereas earthquakes, tsunamis and the like are hazards. And disasters – both natural and man-made can be reduced and prevented through many modes and channels,” said Dr. Jemilah. “The best method to prevent and reduce disasters is through knowledge and MERCY Malaysia wants to equip all the students of APIIT with this crucial information that can subsequently be disseminated to their parents as well as to the rest of their families and friends.”

Dr. Jemilah also stressed the important role each and every student at APIIT plays in the spreading of the word. “We cannot stop a natural disaster but only prevent it,” she said. “This is very important as, if one can prevent a natural disaster, one can save many lives and prevent the suffering of many.”

Said one of APIIT’s Form 1 students, Mohd Dimitri Bin Rosli, “The words of Dr. Jemilah really inspired me and opened my heart to a new point of view. We are very fortunate to have a roof over our heads. Just because we live in such a peaceful country with no war or disasters, it doesn’t mean that we should just carry on with our lives. We, as human beings, must help those in need of our aid and care.

“Countries have set up hundreds of volunteer programmes to help the victims of natural disasters. Rescue teams and doctors have been sent to these countries which have been struck by natural disasters. For those who are not able to, there is another way they can help – by donating a sum of money weekly or monthly,” added Dimitri. “By doing this, they can support the victims with medical care, food, water, shelter and schooling thus making a big difference and bringing back hope to those who have lost theirs.”

APIIT Smart School donated RM27,000 to MERCY Malaysia in August 2006. Following this great show of support from them, MERCY has since started working on a joint-venture with them that is two-pronged:

1) To share information through education programmes that will include risk-mapping for the young, safety preparedness and basic life support (e.g. CPR). MERCY Malaysia will also give a series of Humanitarian Affairs Awareness talks that will be delivered by our volunteers that include specialists in their fields

2) Fundraising – the students of APIIT will collect money on Mercy’s behalf during their fundraising activities that will include their Bazaar Day.

"At APIIT Smart School, we promote a caring and sharing culture. It is pertinent that every child is aware of his moral obligations to the global community,” said Puan Noor Hayati Ahmad, the Principal of the school. “Therefore, it is in this light that we are affiliated to MERCY Malaysia, an esteemed charity organisation. On 22 - 23 July 2006, teachers, students and parents of APIIT Smart School organised a Charity Bazaar in aid of Jogjakarta victims. We intend to do annual fundraising as one of our core community service programmes.

“Other areas of affiliation include info sharing, disaster awareness programes, etc. As educators, it is important that we inculcate social and moral awareness in our students,” added Puan Hayati.