Key Findings

The key findings from the project included:

• Self-reported mental health and physical health issues increased, subsequent to the earthquakes.
• Positive aspects of the experience were a sense of community and enhanced relationships with family and friends.
• Perceptions of what the educational institution could do to help reduce the impact of the earthquake and aftershocks were varied across the groups but core consideration was evident in the following three areas: communication, resource access and flexibility of course curriculum and processes.
• Perception of issues that have hindered learning post the earthquake events again provided specific concerns within each group but could be considered in regards to the following core areas: personal interpretation / meaning of events, resource limitations and constraints, competing priorities and altered patterns of daily living.

Key Recommendations

Following analysis of the data, the following recommendations were formulated:

Crisis response strategy | That educational institutions actively develop a crisis response strategy that considers the potential for flexible course development.

Planning |That educational institutions acknowledge the expectations of students and incorporate planning for and education of staff in relation to crisis response.

After effects of crisis events | That educators and educational institutions are aware of potential sequelae to crisis events and identify a response framework that supports students and acknowledges individual pathways to recovery and re-integration into the educational system.

Positive elements | Recognition that there can be positive elements associated with a crisis event, and the importance of identifying and fostering these.