Aston University Postgraduate Student Chosen for International Youth Leadership Training Workshop
An Aston University postgraduate student has travelled to Taiwan after being selected to join the 2023 International Training Workshop for Youth Leadership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
Shailesh Chaulagain Chhetri, who is studying MSc Crisis and Disaster Management at Aston University, is one of 70 young people from 23 countries taking part in the training programme aimed at preparing the next generation of crisis management leaders. He is also a major of the Nepal Army, Ministry of Defence, Government of Nepal.
The main objectives of the programme are to increase youth leaders’ readiness in the event of an actual crisis and disaster situation, improve their personal essential skills to plan and response to the situation and enhance collaborative working and problem-solving capabilities.
It will also highlight the operational intricacies of humanitarian disaster relief NGOs (non-governmental organisations), based on the Tzu Chi Foundation’s global efforts to offer hands-on training in survival essentials such as clean water, electricity, food and shelter.
Dr Komal Aryal, lecturer in crisis and disaster management and programme director for MSc Crisis and Disaster Management Programme at Aston University, has been invited as an international evaluator for the programme and disaster simulation exercise.
He said:
“I am delighted Shailesh has been selected to take part in this important programme. It is testament to his hard work and international recognition in the subject area.
“Participants will master installing emergency facilities, setting up water filters, preparing food in mobile kitchens and crafting shelters.
“The experience peaks with a strategic Lego-based exercise, planning emergency shelters amidst a simulated typhoon scenario, culminating with presentations to round off this enriching journey, fostering knowledge exchange and unity.
“Everyone taking part can prepare to emerge equipped, empowered and united for any crisis in the future.”
The workshop is being organised by the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) in partnership with Tzu Chi Foundation from 25 to 28 August at Hualien, Taiwan.