Visual Learning Tools for Disaster Preparedness

Creating Visual Learning Tools for IDRASTICC

Persis Ramírez presenting the illustrated posters in a local school

IDRASTICC (Increasing Disaster Risk Awareness through Strategic Training in Coastal Communities), is a small, heartfelt project that aims to help children prepare for disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, heavy storms, and floods.

Their devoted team ended up reaching over 3,000 kids across 11 piloted schools in the Dominican Republic.

I was brought in to help create visual learning tools for disaster preparedness, but this time, via hand-drawn illustrations that actually speak their language.

All photos are from the IDRASTICC Project, with consent from the schools involved

This amazing project was developed by Persis Ramírez, driven by her personal experience and care for her community:

"When I was 5, a hurricane devastated my community in San Pedro de Macorís. That feeling of helplessness and not knowing what to do at such a young age never left me. Unfortunately this is not a unique experience, as data indicates that over 1.5 million children and teenagers in Latin America and the Caribbean have been impacted by extreme weather events." - Persis Ramírez

The project was funded by Youth4Climate (Y4C), a global initiative, co-led by Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Visual Learning Tool for Flood & Strong Winds Preparedness

Visual Learning Tool for Earthquake Preparedness

Visual Learning Tool for Fire & Smoke Preparedness

Children practicing Fire Preparedness

The moment I heard a student say "Teacher, that looks like my house!" while looking at our materials... that's when I knew we got it right. - Persis Ramírez

All of these visual learning tools are now freely accessible on IDRASTICC's website in Spanish, English, Kreyol. The photos above are also from their website, give it a visit to learn more about this amazing project.

Thoughts from the Artist creating these Visual Learning Tools

As a child, I could get completely immersed in illustrated posters. I would explore and memorise every detail, finding joy in discovering little 'easter eggs' - hidden gems I hadn’t noticed before.

As an illustrator, I often get to support meaningful projects, but I have to say, this one with IDRASTICC is as rewarding as it gets! I had the pleasure of collaborating with Persis Ramirez, whose goal was to create illustrations that felt personal to the children - helping them engage more deeply and remember the visuals more effectively.

It was so moving to see the photos and witness just how far and wide these illustrations travelled. I'm grateful to have lent a creative hand to such a meaningful cause.

To see more visual learning tools, please read on:

ILLUSTRATED INFOGRAPHICS