Belize Red Cross volunteers trained in disaster preparedness, risk reduction

Thirty-four volunteers of the Belize Red Cross (BRC) have completed six days of intensive training in various aspects of Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction.

The training is part of the implementation of a Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction Program in ten communities in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts of Southern Belize.

The first phase of this program, being implemented in collaboration with the Norwegian Red Cross, will last for 15 months. 

The program has been developed through a highly consultative process with main stakeholders at district and national levels.

It is envisioned that the program will be rolled out to the other administrative districts in subsequent phases.

The 34 volunteers received certificates on October 21 after completing the training at the Belize Red Cross Stann Creek Branch Centre in Dangriga. Participants originated from the districts of Stann Creek, Toledo, Corozal and also from Belize City.

Areas of training included Red Cross Fundamental Principles, history and structure of the Red Cross; the national and international Red Cross disaster response systems; damage assessment and needs analysis; recording and reporting; water and sanitation; and public health in emergencies.

Facilitators for the training included personnel from the BRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, Ministry of Health, Norwegian Red Cross, and National Emergency Management Organisation.

Participants will receive further training in First Aid, vulnerability and capacity assessment, and specialised instruction in either Public Health in Emergencies or Water and Sanitation.

The participants will become members of the BRC’s National Interverntion Teams (NITs), and are prepared to respond in case of disaster emergencies. They will also work in the ten communities over the next 15 months.

At the end of the project, it is expected that the communities will have identified meaningful ways to reduce risk and be more prepared to respond in the event of an emergency such as hurricane or flood. It is also planned that Community Disaster Response Teams (CDRTs) will have been formed in each village.

The NITs and CDRTs will strengthen the BRC’s disaster response capacities, and by extension, the national response system.