From May to July in Ashgabat, Ahal, Dashoguz and Lebap velayats, simulation exercises on disaster risk reduction were held with the participation of schools. The exercises included training sessions on first aid and other elements of rescue operations. This was reported in the newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan".
Large-scale events were organized by the Main Department of Civil Defense and Rescue Works of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan together with the Ministry of Education of the country, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCS) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
According to UNICEF, 1 000 schoolchildren, 400 directors and teachers from 10 target schools, as well as more than 300 employees and volunteers of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCS) were involved in the classes.
The activities under this project were launched within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in emergency situations and the action program between the NRCST and UNICEF, as well as the accession of Turkmenistan to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction for 2015-2030.
Measures to respond to emergencies in the country are held annually and are included in the established plan of the military rescuers of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan. Traditionally, employees and volunteers of the NRCST join such events.