Words from the Coordinator
Our Mission
IDRASTICC - From the Heart of the Project
As someone who experienced the confusion and fear of a major hurricane as a child, I know firsthand how empowering proper disaster preparedness can be for young people. When I was five years old, a hurricane devastated my community in San Pedro de Macorís, leaving me with lasting memories of powerlessness and uncertainty.
Learning that nine out of ten children in Latin America and the Caribbean experience multiple climate shocks helped me understand that my experience wasn't unique—it was part of a cycle that needed to be broken. This realization was the spark that ignited IDRASTICC.
What has moved me most during this journey is seeing children's faces light up with recognition when they see themselves represented in our educational materials. Comments like "Teacher, that looks like my house!" or "Look, they're wearing uniforms like ours!" confirm that we've succeeded in creating materials that truly speak to these communities.
Even more rewarding has been witnessing the enthusiasm of students actively participating in emergency drills and asking thoughtful questions. Their engagement shows that when disaster preparedness is taught in relevant, accessible ways, children aren’t frightened—they’re empowered.
I believe that resilience begins with knowledge, and knowledge thrives when it’s shared. Through IDRASTICC, we’ve taken significant steps toward breaking the cycle of vulnerability in coastal communities, but our work is just beginning.
I invite you to explore our resources, share them with your communities, and join us in creating a more prepared and resilient future for all.
— Persis Ramírez , Project Coordinator