Resumen de Motivation to volunteer in earthquake mitigation programme among engineering students
Hoda Baytiyeh, Mohamad K. Naja
Lebanon has historically suffered from the effects of devastating earthquakes. To successfully mitigate the cataclysmic effects ofsuch looming disasters, effective preparatory activities and response strategies relying on government resources, communityengagement and volunteering programs are crucially essential. The objective of this study is to assess the willingness of engineeringstudents to join earthquake risk reduction programs initiated and led by universities and to determine their motives behind suchengagements. In addition, the study aims to identify the competencies of engineering students in supporting response operationswhen a future earthquake strikes. Lebanese senior and graduate engineering students (n= 332) were surveyed. The findingsrevealed a strong tendency for Lebanese engineering students to participate in such volunteering programs, and that learning andaltruistic factors are the leading predictors behind the intended participation. However, engineering students showed poorcompetencies and skills that are essentially needed for such a mission. This study emphasises the role of universities and engineeringeducational and professional programs in earthquake risk mitigation and response operations in future earthquake disasters.
