Belize Red Cross hosts VCA workshop

The Belize Red Cross recently hosted a Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) Training-of-Trainers workshop to improve community based VCA. The workshop was held from January 10 th to 14 th and funded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation). It was facilitated by Regional Disaster Preparedness Delegate Xavier Castellanos.

VCA is a community based tool developed by the Federation which aims to raise awareness in communities, their leaders, governments and aid organizations before a disaster strikes. VCA then uses that awareness to produce concrete risk reduction activities.

This methodology takes the Needs Assessment process to another level - understanding vulnerabilities, but also assessing capacities. It puts people first and involves all members of the community. It is a process not a product.

The objective of the workshop was to provide National Societies (NS), organizations working in community development, government and local authorities with a simple methodology to develop community based VCA.

Participants received training in the VCA methodology and the tools for vulnerability and capacity analysis, through a participative process. This process allows for a more systematic collection of information which is the basis for community based disaster preparedness activities.

The process included group work on the global strategy - promoting VCA at all levels. The training was put into practical use during field work in one of the most vulnerable and challenging areas in Belize City .

Participants got the opportunity to practice the various methods they had learnt for conducting a survey, interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, and focus groups among other issues. Additionally, participants worked on developing specific action plans for the communities in which they are already working in or intend to assist.

The Workshop was attended by Marla Barnes of Grand Cayman Islands; Hubert Pierre of St. Lucia; Samantha Dickson of Grenada; Patricia Fahie and Eulalie Harvey of St. Kitts and Nevis; Lois Hue of Jamaica; Lance Vitalis of St. Lucia and Angelita Magana, Albert Ciego, Edna Arnold, Jessie Young and Gloria Gilharry from Belize along with partners from the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), the Social Investment Fund (BNTF), Help for Progress, Belize Audubon, the Ministry of Human Development, the Belize Defense Force and local government.