Master of Disaster
Using play-based education to equip the youth with practical skills for disaster preparedness and response
Countries
Philippines, Vietnam, India
Priority Areas
Disaster Risk Management
Skills, Education and Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Development Goals
Our Partners
The Master of Disaster (MOD) is a flagship Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) initiative that transforms learning about disasters into an engaging and innovative experience. Through an engaging board game, the program equips players with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, prepare for, and respond to a wide range of natural and man-made disasters — making disaster preparedness accessible, interactive, and impactful.
What We Are Solving
High Vulnerability of Youth to Disasters
Children and youth are highly vulnerable to disasters. There is also a shortage of engaging, age-appropriate tools for preparedness and resilience building.
Gaps in Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge
Communities and youth lack sufficient awareness and understanding of proper actions before, during, and after disasters.
Reactive Rather Than Preventive Disaster Response
Disaster response programs are often reactive, requiring proactive, knowledge-based approaches that build a culture of resilience.
The Need
The Philippines faces frequent disasters, with millions displaced annually by typhoons and earthquakes. Events like Typhoon Haiyan caused widespread loss of lives and livelihoods, pushing millions into poverty. This vulnerability highlights the urgent need for disaster risk reduction, especially through youth-focused education initiatives.
The Interventions
After this major catastrophe, ASSIST identified DRRM education in youth as its priority. Master of Disaster (MOD) was created to address the gap in engaging DRRM education, through play that makes learning memorable and practical. Covering hazards like typhoons and earthquakes, the board game builds practical response skills while fostering responsibility and teamwork in homes, schools, and communities.
Impact Aligned with Global Goals
Our Master of Disaster program creates measurable outcomes that directly contribute to key UN Sustainable Development Goals.
600,000+
Beneficiaries Reached
20,000+
Board Games Distributed Across 5,000+ Schools
200+
Communities Reached
100+
Partners Engaged
Be Part of the Change
Join us in building resilient communities across Asia through action and support.
Partner With Us
Collaborate with ASSIST to implement impactful development programs.
Support Our Programs
Invest in initiatives creating sustainable impact across Asia.
Explore our initiatives and stories in our ASSISTNow Newsletter.
