Impact Assessment of Pre and Post Disaster Management Awareness Training Programme Conducted by WASH (Women Association for Sustainability & Harmony) -NGO in Cuddalore District

This study evaluates the impact of the Disaster Management Awareness Training Programme (DMATP) conducted by the Women’s Association for Sustainability and Harmony (WASH), a Cuddalore-based NGO, under the Aapda Mitra initiative of the National Disaster Management Authority. The program aimed to strengthen community resilience by equipping volunteers with skills in disaster preparedness, risk assessment, and emergency response. Using a pre- and post-training assessment framework, the study employed quantitative tools including paired T-tests and Pearson’s correlation to measure changes in participants’ knowledge, preparedness levels, and adaptive capacity. A sample of 30 volunteers was selected through proportionate random sampling from three training batches. Data were collected via structured interviews and analysed using percentage analysis, frequency distribution, and inferential statistics. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in post-training knowledge (mean difference: - 6.667, p = 0.000), confirming the program's effectiveness. Participants demonstrated improved understanding of disaster risks, first aid, —evacuation planning, and community coordination. Demographic analysis indicated 56.7% of participants were female, suggesting strong gender-inclusive engagement. The majority were middle- aged (63.3%), college- educated (70%), and from medium-income households (80%). However, challenges such as limited accessibility to training content and concerns over long-term knowledge retention were identified. Correlation analysis revealed that extension agency contact (r = 0.177) had a positive impact on training outcomes, whereas information-sharing behaviour (r = -0.280) showed a negative correlation, indicating a need to strengthen communication channels post-training. In conclusion, the WASH-led DMATP significantly enhanced community-level disaster resilience. The study recommends sustained follow-up through mock drills, refresher training, and policy-level integration to ensure long-term impact. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, NGOs, and disaster management practitioners focused on community-based disaster risk reduction in vulnerable regions.