The course is designed to help participants understand disaster risk communication principles and to apply these in disaster risk reduction. The course builds the capacities of practitioners to design, develop, manage and undertake an effective disaster risk communication campaign. The course highlights various channels and mediums, introduces to topical communication trends and to produce information, education and communication (IEC) materials. The course also deliberates on the role of media.

The DRC course is designed with the aim of developing a strong risk communication program. To do this, the course will help improve understand the nature and perceptions of risks, the concepts and elements of DRC, risks and effective communication tools, developing a DRC strategy, managing a DRC program, early warning communications: emerging trends and role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in early warning.

The key objectives of the 5 days training course on Disaster Risk Communication (DRC) are:

● To increase the participants awareness of and familiarity with disaster risk communication its basic concepts and pillars
● To enhance the participants understanding of the integrated approach of disaster risk communication that engages local community in developing risk information
● To raise the participants knowledge on the best practices on disaster risk communication, and
● To increase participants understanding on innovative tools for building disaster risk communication capacities, including social media and information and communication technologies

MODULE 1: COURSE INTRODUCTION
This module aims to provide participants with a brief overview of course introduction that includes key definitions and related terminologies on disaster risk communication. It further discusses the current needs for disaster risk communication and some of its current challenges in the context of developing countries.

MODULE 2: OVERVIEW OF DISASTER RISK COMMUNICATION
This module introduces the concepts and objectives of disaster risk communication. It distinguishes between the traditional focus of emergency and crisis communication and the more comprehensive risk communication approach. It discusses basic theories, concepts and approaches on disaster risk communication as well as the 5 key pillars of disaster risk communication – actors, purposes, modes, tools, and messages. Finally, the module also provides needs for disaster risk communication to be more inclusive, involving citizens and other stakeholders actively in the two-ways communication process, and building partnership with the private sectors.

MODULE 3: ENGAGING LOCAL COMMUNITY: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DISASTER RISK COMMUNICATION
This module aims to develop participants’ understanding and knowledge on the integrated approach to disaster risk communication. It discusses shared approaches of engaging community in developing the risk information, such as, data gathering, local community map-making, risk scenarios making, etc. It further discusses the importance of awareness of local values and context for developing the impactful science communication. The module also provides practical understanding of integrated approach by discussing some best practices on engaging local community in developing disaster information.

MODULE 4: INNOVATION TOOLS FOR BUILDING DISASTER RISK COMMUNICATION CAPACITIES
This module aims to develop participants knowledge on the innovative tools for building disaster risk communication capacities. It discusses the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in disaster risk communication. It also discusses tools and approaches for communicating about the risk prevention, such as, online information portals, self-protection guidelines, information website, online platform, brochures to enhance knowledge about what community can do to protect themselves against risks.

MODULE 5: EVOLVING ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATING THE DISASTER RISK
This module aims to develop participants understanding about the evolving role of social media as an important channels and modes in effectively communicating the risks. Social media, a two-way communication technology provides foundation for effective risk communication as well as build trust and credibility between the government and the community. The module discusses the use of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Online chat via internet, the media, and TV, etc., in offering ways for citizens to provide feedback or to engage in two-way, interactive communication about the risks between communities and the government.

MDDULE 6: EXERCISE
This module aims to provide an opportunity to participants to come up with a communication plan based upon a given scenarios.

This training course has been designed for the government agencies, universities, or research institutions, INGOs/NGOs, communities, businesses, and individual with some experience on disaster risk communication or its related areas as information generators or senders, and information receivers or the users of risk information. Professionals or individuals without experience on disaster risk communication, but interested in developing their knowledge, skills, career in this area are also encouraged to apply.

The standard course fee of USD1,675 covers course tuition, registration fee, training materials, study visit, and training kit.

Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses and arrangements, accommodation, airport transfers, visa application, all meals, health and accident insurance, and other personal expenses.

Discounted accommodation can be arranged by ADPC.

Interested persons can apply as individuals although preference will be given to those sponsored by an organization. The application can be submitted online at www.adpc.net/apply. The registration and payment should be made at least one month before the course commence.

If you are selected to attend the course, the payment should be transferred to ADPC's account through a bank transfer at least one month before course commence. Otherwise, your participation will be cancelled. Please note that personal checks are not accepted as a form of payment.

If you are unable to attend, a substitute applicant is welcome to attend in your place, provided the participation criteria described above have been met.

Cancellation of attendance should be notified at least three weeks prior to course commencement; in which case, 15 percent of the course fee will be deducted for banking charges and administrative costs. No refunds are available for cancellation within three weeks prior to course commencement.