Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean - October by IFRC Americas Communications

Voices of the americas and the caribbean OCTOBER 2019

content CLOSING HUMANITARIAN GAPS 3 SUMMARY OF EMERGENCY OPERATION 5 SWEDISH RED CROSS VISIT 6 HURRICANE DORIAN STORIES 8 VIDEO: CUERDA FIRME 8 DENGUE SPREADS ACROSS CENTRAL AMERICA, RED CROSS SCALES UP RESPONSE 9 AN EMPATHY EXERCISE 11 GETTING AHEAD OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS 11 DAYS OF SOLIDARITY 12 RESPONSE IN FIGURES ECUADOR: POPULATION MOVEMENT 13 VISIT OF THE IFRC PRESIDENT TO BAHAMAS 14 IN PICTURES: IDDR 2019 16 PANAMA SCHOOLS COMMEMORATE IDDR 18 MAKING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE A PRIORITY 20 MUSIC FOR INCLUSION 24 COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM 27 SCHOOL EMERGENCY BRIGADES PREPARED 27 THE BRAZILIAN RED CROSS RECEIVES THE VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT IN OFFICE 28 IFRC VICE PRESIDENT VISITS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 29 NEW WEBSITE! DOMINICA RED CROSS 30 PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH PLAYGROUNDS 31 “MY LIFE HAS BEEN A CALVARY...” 32 SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BEHAVIOR CHANGE TOOLKIT WORKSHOP 34

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Americas Regional Office City of Knowledge, Clayton. Panama. Phone: +507 317 3050 Many thanks to all who have contributed to this number of Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean.

CLOSING HUMANITARIAN GAPS We are facing a phenomenon of selective, exclusive and politicized solidarity that makes it difficult to address urgent humanitarian issues in the region. In recent weeks, we have witnessed great events that have increased the risks of the already vulnerable situation of millions of people in the Americas. From the fire in the Amazon rainforest, Hurricane Dorian and the dengue epidemic that plagues Central America again, to the migration situation in the Northern Triangle and South America, and the exacerbation of violence and conflicts in Haiti, Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras and Venezuela. Today our continent shudders with deep crises and inequities that threaten not only to rob the future of millions of people, but also jeopardize the sustainability of their lives. Latin America and the Caribbean had a period of relative social and economic stability that has allowed the strengthening of some of the nations that comprise it and, therefore, the improvement of some of the human development indices. However, inequities persist today, when the scenario has changed and once again the region faces problems that increase the gap and enhance the underlying vulnerabilities. This relative stability in the region drove away financing for development projects and for the attention of humanitarian emergencies and low speed crises. This situation also extended to traditional donors, the media and international relief agencies for both emergency response and risk preparedness and reduction activities, which has resulted in the high current costs of response and development activities. Today it is more difficult for us to mobilize resources to invest in disaster preparedness, adaptation to climate change and humanitarian emergencies such as those in Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua or the migration crisis in the Northern Triangle, despite the impacts of these situations are of great proportions. Some relevant figures that show the crisis faced by the region at the moment are: • According to UNHCR estimates, more than 4.3 million Venezuelans have left their country. • In Haiti, more than 3 million people are at risk of starvation next year due to the economicsocial-political crisis faced by the country. • About 2 million people face the risks of migration and violence in the Northern Triangle. • 150 million people suffer from water shortages and do not have access to safe sanitary facilities. From the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, representing the 35 National Societies of the Red Cross of the Americas and the Caribbean, we have been working very hard to advocate in favor of priority issues in the region. An example is our impact and leadership in the face of the Zika epidemic that hit hard 24 countries and territories of the region in 2016, and that after 4 years of coordinating actions directly with the ministries of health, we managed to reach more than 13 million people indirectly, and 750 thousand people directly, and reduce the impact of this disease in the region.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean â&#x20AC;˘ october 2019

Another relevant example is the actions that we are implementing in Venezuela, where the Venezuelan Red Cross, together with the International Federation, has been developing longterm programs in risk reduction, nutrition, livelihoods and migration. However, in the attention to the health emergency, where we want to strengthen the capacity of hospital centers and provide medicines, medical equipment, as well as power plants and water quality assurance for these centers, it has been extremely difficult to reach the resources necessary. We have invested over 13 million dollars in 3 years. However, today we find a gap of around 40 million dollars. We want to reach 600 thousand people, but with the resources we have, we have only reached 100 thousand. Similarly, we have huge gaps in the financing of humanitarian actions in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Haiti, which suffer the combined crisis of violence, health, inequality and the impacts of climate change. In this region, we have many silent and forgotten emergencies and crises, so from the International Federation we want to make a call to address these forgotten tragedies in the same way as those that occupy the attention of global big media. We continue our efforts. However, many times they fall short of the need we have at the moment in the region. There are at least about 5 million people who still do not have the basic help they need. This is a call for action, to change course and stop the setback, increasing risk reduction activities, preparedness and appropriate and timely response to situations faced by the region, before it is too late. It is an urgent call to protect the dignity of people, save lives and reduce the adverse impacts caused by extreme situations arising from climate change, violence and crises that affect the region. This is a call to the media to give greater coverage to silent disasters, donors who want to provide support through our emergency appeals, and all those who in one way or another want to support by registering as volunteers at the Red Cross headquarters in their countries. This is a call to save lives and promote resilience. We walk alongside migrants, we run to lessen the impact and help communities adapt to climate change, we fly to deal with epidemics and prevent them from taking human lives, always fulfilling our humanitarian mandate with neutrality, impartiality and independence. We invite those who want to join this mission, help us to be better and reach more people wherever they are.

Walter Cotte W.

Director Regional para AmĂŠrica

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

(OCTOBER.2019)

active emergency

appeals

Central America Bahamas Venezuela Guatemala

Dengue Hurricane Health Volcanic Eruption

Regional

Population movement

Colombia

Population movement

DREF

CHF

Operations

Ecuador

Civil unrest

Colombia

Dengue

Dominican Republic

Dengue

Bolivia

Wildfire

87.7 million Swiss francs needed

SWEDISH RED CROSS VISIT Margareta Wahlstrom, President of the Swedish Red Cross, together with representatives of the Swedish Red Cross, made a visit to the American region. As part of this visit they travelled to Venezuela where they were able to accompany the Venezuelan Red Cross in several of its activities. They then went to El Salvador to visit communities where the regional Monarch Butterfly programme is being implemented.

HURRICANE DORIAN STORIES BAHAMAS

Christina, Lorvensky, and Kean (age, 3 weeks) evacuated to a primary school as Hurricane Dorian approached their home on Abaco island. They rode out the storm, but it was a terrifying few days, as even the school was badly damaged. The family, who just had their first child, lost their home to the storm’s devastating wind and rain. “I kept my son safe under my arm,” says Lorvensky, of the terrifying ordeal. The family left Abaco island by boat a few days ago and are currently staying with family members in Nassau. They went to the Bahamas Red Cross and received a food voucher, water, baby formula, hygiene items, clothes, and other items to help them cope. Asked what her hope is for her son, Christina remarks, “I want him to get a good educations. I want a lot for him! I just want good things for him.”

WATCH VIDEO

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

DENGUE SPREADS ACROSS CENTRAL AMERICA, RED CROSS SCALES UP RESPONSE

As dengue spreads rapidly across Central America, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is scaling up emergency assistance to help countries contain the mosquito borne viral disease. In Honduras, more than 81,800 people have been affected by the disease making it the worst outbreak in the country’s history. Nearly one quarter of the cases reported were classified as severe dengue and more than 65 percent of the 144 deaths so far are children under 15. Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica are also reporting massive increases in dengue cases compared to previous years. Dr Maria Franca Tallarico, Head of Health at IFRC’s Regional Office for the Americas said: “Dengue is endemic across the Americas, but what is very concerning in this outbreak is that the majority of the cases and deaths are occurring in children under 15. This is due to a lack of immunity in young people to the deadliest of the four strains of dengue currently circulating in the region.” A combination of seasonal rains and warming temperatures are being blamed for dengue’s rapid spread–creating more stagnant pools that are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. There are rising concerns that this will make the outbreak will be harder to contain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rising global temperatures rainfall patterns linked to climate change could significantly modify vector-borne diseases and their effect on human populations—making epidemics more difficult to predict and control. 9

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

Teams of Red Cross volunteers in affected Central American countries have been supporting government efforts to slow the outbreak—providing door to door awareness raising about the disease and how to prevent it. With their unique access to affected communities, the Red Cross volunteers are helping to clean up mosquito breeding sites or accompanying health workers to identify cases. Dr Tallarico said: “The size of this outbreak is unprecedented across Central America. Dengue is a disease that affects the most vulnerable–those who live in places where there is poor sanitation and where mosquitoes thrive. But the disease can be contained if governments and communities work together to raise awareness, access medical care and clean up the environment. This is what the Red Cross teams across affected countries are focused on doing.” The IFRC has launched a regional appeal seeking a total of 2.9 million Swiss francs to support the National Red Cross Societies in Central America to deliver assistance and support to 550,000 people for 12 months. The appeal will focus on community health, water and sanitation and promoting behaviours changes that prevent the decease. Dengue cases have increased 30-fold over the last 50 years, according to the World Health Organization. As one of the world’s fastest growing diseases, dengue is endemic in 100 countries infecting up to 50-100 million people a year.

key data Honduras

Guatemala

Nicaragua

dengue cases

144

deaths

81,854

(65% children under 15)

El Salvador

23,390

dengue cases

30,221

(50% children under 15)

costa rica

6,376

dengue cases

130,243

(209% increase compared 2018)

dengue cases reported in the last 5 years in the countries of the appeal 300000

250000

200000

150000

Repoerted dengue cases

100000

50000

2015

2016

2017

deaths http://www.paho.org/data/index.php/en/mnu-topics/indicadores-dengue-en/dengue-nacional-en/252-dengue-pais-ano-en.html?start=2

2018

2019

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

AN EMPATHY EXERCISE PERU Ana Yasmina left her country on July 22, after the end of the school year, along with her three grandchildren with whom she travels. She plans to meet with her husband and daughter, the children’s mother. “We left Venezuela because the salary was no longer enough for food. I left my brothers and nephews there.” She says that she has not encountered any great difficulty along the way, except for the entrance to Chile, where she still lacks some documents. While waiting, she is living in one of the shelters created to meet the high number of people in mobility in Tacna, a Peruvian city bordering Chile. Ana demonstrates satisfaction with the medical care provided to her grandchildren and her by the Red Cross. Twice a week, the Red Cross team serves everyone who is living in these temporary shelters with doctors and psychosocial care, and medication is also given.

Ana Yasminia Chacón Durán, 49, with her grandchildren Gregory Gilfredo Rojas Peña, 13, Ángel Esteban Granados Peña, 10, and Andrés Alexander Granados Peña, 8, are living in Tacna, Peru, while waiting for their documents to travel to Chile. / Credits: Priscila Dias Leite / IFRC

Ana Yasmina ends up leaving a message: “nothing has happened to me, but I have heard from many people who go out to sell and hear someone saying to them “leave our country.” It hurts to know about these stories because, in my country, we have also received many Peruvians. What we are living can happen to any of us.”

getting ahead of the climate crisis As storms and floods become more extreme, weather forecasts trigger relief funding before disaster strikes, giving people time to prepare and potentially saving many more lives.

Read more 11

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

DAYS OF SOLIDARITY PERU

Yalem Roayfran Cedillo López, 32, and Blanca Rosa La Roche Pontiles, 30, with her daughter Aylem Nicole Cedillo La Roche, 3, in one of the Community Health Days promoted in Lima. / Credits: Guillermo Fernández / IFRC

Yalem left Venezuela at the beginning of 2018 and in three months, brought his wife and daughter to Peru. He worked as an industrial mechanical technician, and Blanca is a civil engineer. They began to worry about Aylem’s future and decided to seek more economic security and peace of mind in another country. “Our whole family is there, and we didn’t know anyone here.” Yalem started working in an electronics repair shop but had to quit due to problems with his salary. As it was summer, he decided to sell ice cream and water on the street; in the winter, he switched to the sale of cakes, empanadas, and tequeños. Now, his project is to have his own food business, but he still doesn’t have the capital needed to invest. Blanca got her first job opportunity six months after arriving in Peru. She started working in the maintenance of a nursery dedicated to Venezuelan children, and the same organization invited her to be a teacher, a role she is currently doing. Aylem Nicole has been in a parish nursery since they arrived, which allows her to develop and allow her parents to work. The couple would like to bring other relatives from Venezuela, but in addition to the limited financial resources, at this time, it would not be possible due to paperwork. They try to send them money, but it is not always possible. “For us, the overall balance of this time in Peru is more positive than negative. We receive a welcome, clothing, health, psychological support. We all know that it is not easy to change your life completely; to leave part of the family. What motivates us the most is to see our daughter grow up happy, calm, and healthy. Here we can offer her a beautiful future that, now, in Venezuela, is not possible. Moreover, to the Peruvian people, my thanks from the heart. We have found many good people, with a good heart.” 12

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

RESPONSE IN FIGURES

ECUADOR: POPULATION MOVEMENT

humanitarian aid

Attentions Provided

contact restoration

first aid

psychosocial support

Figures corresponding to the period from June 2018 to October 1, 2019.

LIFE STORY: ALEX JOSUÉ Alex Josué Barizario was born in Venezuela and has been in Ecuador for more than a year. Alex works in a restaurant in Sucumbíos, where he is a potato peeler and in charge of making the sauces. He has worked in several places “you have to work and move forward,” he said. He is the fatehr of two children and wants to bring his family to Ecuador.

“Ecuador is a beautiful country to live in and I came to this country to do good.”

VISIT OF THE IFRC PRESIDENT TO BAHAMAS The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Francesco Rocca, was in the Bahamas on 20 and 21 September to meet with people affected by Hurricane Dorian and Red Cross volunteers who have been on the ground since the first hours after the hurricane, working to save lives and bring aid to those most in need. During his visit, President Rocca discussed the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humanitarian needs and Red Cross response with emergency teams and government leaders.

The actions we take today will affect tomorrow, and billions of small individual changes can and will make a global difference. #FacesOfClimateChange For more information on our Climate Change initiatives: krystell.santamaria@ifrc.org

#BUILDTOLAST

IN PICTURES

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

PANAMA SCHOOLS COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION PANAMÁ

5 schools in the province of Panama represented by 5 sixth grade students each participated in the event “por mi escuela segura” (for my safe school) within the framework of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR) 2019. This year the IDDR focuses on Goal D of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030: Significantly reduce the damage caused by disasters to vital infrastructure and the disruption of basic services such as health and education facilities, including building their resilience by 2030, which also has a direct link to the Safe Schools Global Initiative. For the “por mi escuela segura” event, students worked for 2 weeks where they made a model for each school that reflected a resilient educational infrastructure, then presented it and discussed the importance of safe schools that can be maintained and continue to function after a disaster. In addition, activities were carried out with preschool children, such as the Ringo Caravan, a BOSAI program station implemented by SINAPROC and JICA that seeks to strengthen capacities in integrated disaster risk management for children, and the Riesgolandia, a didactic game from UNDRR, UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which aims to provide the educational community and children in Latin America and the Caribbean with an innovative and interactive tool for disaster risk reduction. 18

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean โ ข october 2019

This event held at the Omar Torrijos Herrera Bilingual School was organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Ministry of Education of Panama (MEDUCA), UNICEF, RET International, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC), IFRC and the Panamanian Red Cross. It was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Directorate General for Civil Protection of the European Union (ECHO) and the co-organizing organizations. The participating schools were: Fuentes del Chase School, Jerรณnimo de la Ossa School, Nicole A Garay School, Vocacional Especial School and Omar Torrijos Herrera Bilingual School.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

MAKING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE A PRIORITY VENEZUELA

The current situation in Venezuela is extremely complex. Some areas are experiencing limited access to health care, water, sanitation and hygiene services, and the population is being exposed to a disconcerting degree of violence. The ICRC has intensified humanitarian work in the country by running more health care activities in response to the population’s most urgent needs. Pilar Bauza, the ICRC´s health coordinator in Venezuela, tells us about the work the organization has been doing this year. Could you give us a general overview of the health sector in Venezuela? Venezuela continues to suffer the consequences of a deteriorating socioeconomic situation, which has had a direct impact on the health sector. There is a shortage not only of medicines but of diagnostic equipment, hygiene products and medical furniture. Further causes for concern are the lack of health infrastructure maintenance and problems with access to water and the power supply, without which it is impossible for a hospital or health centre to run effectively. Another important factor affecting the health sector is the lack of specialists who can provide the services and care required by the population. For instance, in the most affected areas, a 500-bed hospital that previously offered up to twenty medical specialties is now only able to offer five due to the lack of medical specialists. The shortage of necessary resources, supplies and equipment aggravates this situation. At the same time, the population’s needs are on the 20

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean â&#x20AC;˘ october 2019

rise, as are the number of patients who check in to the ER as a consequence of violence. For all these reasons, the ICRC is focused on working closely with health centres, in order to save more lives. People who live in areas affected by armed violence are even less likely to have quick and efficient access to essential health care services, and hence are the most vulnerable. What programmes or activities is the ICRC carrying out this year? The strategy we are implementing in the country is patient-centred, and therefore we are trying to ensure that all the ICRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health team work is focused on strengthening the health care system and outpatient care (the care chain) in order to ensure access to health care for those who live in the most vulnerable areas. To this end we run a first aid programme aimed at strengthening the skills needed to stabilize critically ill patients, alongside which we provide support for those in the country who are already involved in pre-hospital care, which involves repairing ambulances, distributing medical supplies and training health professionals. We also provide technical support to hospitals by training their staff in how to treat people injured by firearms, explosions and other traumas. We make donations of medical supplies and equipment, and carry out infrastructure improvements to back up the power and water supply in the emergency rooms in which health professionals work on a daily basis.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

In some border regions, we carry out preventive and primary care activities aimed at supporting health care institutions whose capacity has been exceeded, so that they can continue to provide services to their community as well as to those who are passing through the area. At each stage of the process, we work with the community and with local and national health organizations to coordinate activities and ensure that patients receive the uninterrupted treatment they need. In addition, we work alongside prison authorities to ensure that people deprived of their freedom have decent living conditions. We aim to improve health care and support the authorities’ efforts to improve prison infrastructures. This year, we have facilitated more than 7,000 basic and emergency medical consultations for detainees in seven prisons in Venezuela. Now that malaria has spread to emergency levels in Venezuela, how does the ICRC help those affected? Over 50% of all malaria cases in Latin America occur in Venezuela, 70 per cent of which are in the state of Bolívar, where the outbreak of malaria is undoubtedly a great cause for concern. It is here the ICRC has focused its efforts, working tirelessly on preventive actions such as the distribution of almost 50,000 mosquito nets to those living in the municipality of El Callao. We are also focused on increasing the number of diagnostic and treatment centres available in the state, and on building up the pre-existing knowledge and skills of staff and volunteers who are already working in the area, so that they will be able to provide the necessary treatment for a greater number of people. To this end, we ensure there is a constant provision of the medical supplies required for identifying, diagnosing and treating malaria, in addition to specialized training for microscopists, and training in rapid diagnostic tests. This is our contribution to the Venezuelan health authorities’ National Malaria Emergency Response Plan. What challenges does the ICRC face in responding to the population’s health needs? The ICRC has been running its health care activities since January 2019, particularly in priority areas and states. To run our programmes in Venezuela, medical supplies need to be imported and distributed, and health care professionals have to be trained, all of which require a huge amount of coordination on behalf of our local staff as well as the logistics, water and sanitation, communication and administration teams. We were able to achieve this thanks to the cooperation of and ongoing dialogue with authorities, key stakeholders and the population. This was one of the big challenges we faced in the beginning, when they still did not know us. At times we have faced the difficult task of having to prioritize. Now that we are running more activities and working more closely with communities, we have started to identify additional needs that we think we could meet, but we do not always have the capacity to do so. We are committed to doing everything we can within the remit and scope of the ICRC’s mission.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

How do you coordinate your humanitarian work in Venezuela with the Venezuelan Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross? Thankfully, the work done in partnership with the Venezuelan Red Cross (VRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the ICRC has been key to overcoming challenges and promoting relevant activities that cater for the growing humanitarian needs of Venezuelans. The IFRC and the ICRC provide continual support to the VRC through training events, technical guidance, and equipment and supplies for the VRC’s volunteers, thanks to whom we are able to carry out a large number of our activities. For example, the VRC, with the technical support of the ICRC, respond to the population’s prehospital needs on a daily basis, particularly during events, protests, or at key locations, by providing first aid care and ambulance services. As a Movement, our commitment to preventing and alleviating human suffering in Venezuela remains exactly the same. What are the ICRC’s expectations for 2020 and what priority projects will be implemented or continued? In 2020, we intend to consolidate our current activities, and to keep playing a part in the different levels of health care within the Venezuelan public health system. We will continue to focus on the needs of the most vulnerable populations (such as detainees or the injured), as well as on essential services (both in primary and hospital health care). Another important objective is to facilitate access to health care services and to promote their proper use. We would also like to start making progress in the area of mental health, particularly in populations affected by violence as it would be very limited of us to focus only on physical health. We want to truly understand people’s concerns and to respond to them to the best of our ability.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

MUSIC FOR INCLUSION COSTA RICA

What do folk music and dance have in common with the Costa Rican Red Cross? Can music and a group of the Red Cross promote more social inclusion in the population? How can music and dance gather hundreds of people for a more inclusive Costa Rica? Music has a power that transcends and transmits an infinity of feelings. Just allow yourself a moment to appreciate what a song houses or each movement that involves dance. The Costa Rican Red Cross was given the task of demonstrating again that it is more than an ambulance service. On this occasion, they did it through a folk music and dance show that reinforces the identity of being Costa Rican and is named: ¡Yo me llamo Costa Rica! (My name is Costa Rica!). The name of the show was born in a composition of the singer-songwriter Mauricio Piedra who highlights in his the reasons why people from Costa Rica should feel proud. All the cultural constructions they own and how they are presented in society through time, calling for a reflection about the attachment and promotion of national identity. “This is a show whereby a variety of folk music and dance groups amazed us with the beauty of their interpretations and the depth of their messages: older adults remind us that there is no age limit to enjoy the life and inspire; our Nicaraguan brothers and dances reaffirmed that culture knows no borders; the girls and boys filled us with energy and urge that we should

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

strive to inherit them a more humanitarian, more supportive society, that does not forget its roots; Through an interpretation in LESCO, it was urged to generate spaces accessible to people with disabilities ”, in this way Evelyn Vargas from the Red Cross narrates her experience as a spectator of the show. So what does the Costa Rican Red Cross have to do with folk music and dance? It’s straightforward. A team of Costa Rican Volunteers, who are related to the practice and culture of dance realized they could use their skills and talent, with the support of other groups, to create a show that involves the human part of the Institution and to create a space that would allow them to generate economic resources to support and strengthen their humanitarian work and the service they offer to the population. “It is the second time this event is held. The 1st edition was called: Land of Peace. This 2019 again takes the initiative to take the show to a larger stage with a greater number of people (640). This is how support was requested from the National Auditorium Theater who did not doubt to produce the event, which like any other deserved attention to detail, from the planning of a script and program, as well as relying on a team of artists and collaborators that gave life to the intention started in 2018 ”, explained Tatiana Sanchez, member of the Red Cross and also director of the folk group Ensamble Ibux, who produced the event. ¡Yo me llamo Costa Rica! Has the strength and the collaboration of national artists supported by members of the Costa Rican Red Cross who believe and trust in supporting talent and different capacities through art. In addition to providing a window for vulnerable populations to grow and consolidate in the cultural environment The promoted artistic proposal is framed under the strategic axis of inclusion, nonviolence, and culture of peace. It is through this flag that the Institution contributes to reducing the social exclusion of the most disadvantaged people, with multidisciplinary, multisectoral actions against inequality, violence, discrimination, and other factors; clear sample of the implementation of the Fundamental Principles, guaranteeing the continuity of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The show was inclusive; different themes were worked on, among them: gender equity, the promotion of appreciation for cultural plurality through exposure to Costa Rican folklore landscapes, as well as other countries, as evidenced in the presentation from the Cocibolca group (Nicaraguan migrants or ascendants residing in Costa Rica). Also, there was the participation of retired older adults, children, and a vocal group called Kembi’x, who represented specific sectors of Costa Rican society. This presentation excited the audience and captivated the great Red Cross family even more. The activity was in charge of the Auxiliary Committee of the Costa Rican Red Cross located in the Metropolitan area together with the folk projection group called “Ensamble Ibux,” founded in 2010 with the aim of investigating, rescuing and spreading the Costa Rican popular culture. The act was proud to identify the Red Cross as a promoter of culture, of the humanitarian mission; of course, working hand in hand with vulnerable populations.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

This incredible activity would not have been achieved without the valuable collaboration of the groups that participated: Small Roots Folk Group (children), Cocibolca Folk Group (Nicaragua), AFUP Group (Association of Pensioned University Officials), Kemb’ix Vocal Group, Musical Assembly Remembranzas, and Artistic Assembly Ibux. With just over 90 artists in dance, music, speech, photography, and 15 people in staff. The Ibux and Remembranzas groups opened their doors to support the Costa Rican Red Cross. The Director of Ibux, Tatiana Sánchez, who is also a member of the Red Cross commented: “This show was very well received and had excellent reviews of the cultural guild. The presentation is a complete trip to get to know the Costa Rica in which we live. The importance of cultivating and strengthening the identity of the less favored peoples and groups is highlighted. Living in peace and recognizing what makes our country great is an exhortation to be more grateful, for what our country offers, but also more proactive, more assertive, more human. Living a culture of peace means promoting inclusion, reinforcing values and national identity, eradicating discriminatory practices, that help improve human relations, democratic coexistence and equal opportunities for social classes.” In this way, the Costa Rican Red Cross evidenced that they can show themselves in a versatile way and present their messages through non-conventional mechanisms in this case through art. Red Cross calls for little by little more people to be impacted by top-quality shows and with the clear commitment to leave a message that transcends. The show seeks to become an annual tradition within the institution.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Green Bay & Grays Farm are just south of Capital St. Johns. Its population is made up mostly of lower income Antiguans and migrants from the Dominican Republic. The area is prone to to floods from ponding, and from storm surge. Flood heights can reach up to 9’ in some areas. The area is also at risk to building fires because of the housing density. As part of its work with these communities, the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross conducted training for Community Disaster Response Teams and supported the National Office of Disaster Services with ambulances and first aid volunteers in conducting a tsunami risk simulation exercise.

SCHOOL EMERGENCY BRIGADES PREPARED EL SALVADOR

Five schools in Cojutepeque have brigades to attend emergencies. The Salvadoran Red Cross (SRC), through the project Improving Access to Health Services, prepared them for evacuation, first aid and psychosocial care, benefiting 796 students. The students participated in learning processes for school protection and respect for health services, to ensure immediate attention to emergencies in schools and the community. The project equipped schools with rigid stretchers, first aid kits, splints, blood pressure monitors and digital thermometers. The actions are coordinated with the Departmental Direction of Education of Cuscatlán.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

THE BRAZILIAN RED CROSS RECEIVES THE VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC IN OFFICE BRASIL

The Brazilian Red Cross received on the morning of September 24 at its National Headquarters, the visit of the President of the Republic in office on that date, Mr. Antonio Hamilton Martins Mourão. The presence of General Antonio Hamilton Martins Mourão in the institution reflects the interest of the current national management, in the figure of its president, Júlio Cals de Alencar, in aligning his work of governance, transparency and compliance, at the international level with the Government. Also present at the ceremony was the Vice-President of the International Federation, Mr. Miguel Villarroel. Hamilton Martins Mourão was awarded the Cross of Distinction and, during his speech, stressed the importance of the Red Cross in society. “The Brazilian Red Cross has been essential and fills us with pride for the extraordinary work done throughout its history,” concluded Mourão.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

IFRC VICE PRESIDENT VISITS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS BRASIL

The Brazilian Red Cross (BRC) received at its national headquarters the visit of the Vice-President of the IFRC, Mr Miguel Villarroel, Mr Abdulkader Husrieh, President of the Finance Committee and Mr Alexandre Claudon, Head of Country Cluster Support team. The purpose of the visit was to present the work done by the Brazilian Red Cross and to discuss the internal affairs and interests of the BRC and the IFRC. The visit began with a meeting of the representatives of the IFRC with Mr Julio Cals, President of the CRB. In the afternoon, Julio Cals and Miguel Villarroel participated in a round table discussion with volunteers from the Rio de Janeiro Branch. During the talk, the vice-president of the IFRC praised the work done by the current management of the BRC. “I am very grateful and proud of the change that the Brazilian Red Cross has been making. Happy to be here and to be able to see the BRC’s effort to want to grow and be better every time,” said Miguel Villarroel. The vice-president visited the headquarters facilities, toured all sectors and explored the history of the BRC through the images displayed throughout the institution. At the end, he was introduced to Renê Silva, a collaborator of the Brazilian Red Cross, founder of the Voice of Communities.

NEW WEBSITE! DOMINICA

The Dominica Red Cross Society is pleased to announce the launch of its brand-new website! The new website can be found in: www.dominicaredcross.com “Our goal with this new website is to provide our visitors with a new medium to learn more about the Dominica Red Cross Society’s services and to further allow the visitor to browse for information based on their own choice”, noted Sandra Charter-Rolle, Director of the local Red Cross society. The new website is interactive and provides access to the history, activities, principles and objectives of the Dominica Red Cross Society. Current and prospective clients will find useful information about the society’s mission and vision which can be found on the homepage. One of the features include integrated social media buttons for Facebook aimed at fostering increased communication with clients. The website’s content will be updated on a regular basis with helpful information, articles, blogs, newsletters and company announcements. The Dominica Red Cross Society hopes that you appreciate the new website and urges persons to make some time to explore its content.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH PLAYGROUNDS GUATEMALA

As part of the recovery phase after the emergency of the Fire Volcano on June 3, 2018, the Guatemalan Red Cross with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and in conjunction with six communities of the departments of Escuintla and Chimaltenango affected by the emergency has made playgrounds. Among the psychosocial support actions carried out by the Guatemalan Red Cross is the creation of these free spaces to encourage coexistence and contribute to the social development of the members of the communities, Santa Marta, El Rancho, La Reyna and Santa Rosa, Soledad and Campamento in the departments of Escuintla and Chimaltenango, benefiting 1134 families. “These free spaces allow to improve the creation of coexistence with the members of the communities, in addition to the development of skills in children, among which socialization stands out which contributes to the improvement of the living conditions of people affected by the emergency”, said Abdi Vela, Coordinator of the Emergency Health Program of the Guatemalan Red Cross.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

“My life has been a calvary: if it had not been for the Salvadoran Red Cross, I do not know what would become of me”

Stress, depression and loneliness are characteristics that affect the mental and emotional health of victims of social violence in El Salvador. “Since 2007 my life has been a calvary. I looked for my son from October 5, 2007 to 2015” is the story of Doña María, a fictitious name, victim of social violence in El Salvador, whose 20-yearold son was disappeared by illegal groups. Doña María, approximately 60, is a single mother who raised her children in a community marginalized by social violence in the municipality of Nejapa. This municipality is located south of San Salvador. Local people are engaged in agricultural activities and animal husbandry. According to Doña María, since that unfortunate date, an emotional crisis and stress affected her health. “What I did was lock myself in my house, I didn’t go out and I just kept crying,” she recalls.

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • october 2019

She mentioned that she was left alone because a year after her son disappeared, her grandson was harassed by criminals and her eldest son had to flee the area. “I didn’t sleep at all, that’s why I developed diseases. I was just thinking things; I went out at night to look for my son because I didn’t want the people to see me,” said Doña María. After that crisis she commented that in 2017: “The Salvadoran Red Cross shook my hand. There I found angels who guided me”, said Doña María in reference to the Psychologists who helped her with therapies, trainings and talks to overcome those difficult moments. Doña María sought help from the competent institutions, but unfortunately without any results, which increased her desperation and anguish, she said. Doña María’s son disappeared on October 5, 2007, was found on the third day and was buried in a mass grave. She searched for him for almost 10 years, until they carried out an exhumation to give her the remains of her son.

comunication Social Media for Behavior Change Toolkit Workshop

UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES 5 NOVEMBER World Tsunami Awareness Day 19 NOVEMBER World Toilet Day 1 DECEMBER World AIDS Day 5 DECEMBER International Volunteer Day

As part of the project: developed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Americas Regional Office and the Global Disaster Preparedness Centre (GDPC) with the support of OFDA, a workshop was held in Panama on 23-24 September with the consulting group to develop a practical guide that includes examples and good practices in the use of social networks as a channel for the implementation of various behavioural change approaches in disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction projects.

18 DECEMBER International Migrants Day

ď&#x192;Ś Contact information:

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Americas Regional Office Diana Medina, Regional Communications Manager | diana.medina@ifrc.org Diana Arroyo, Senior Communications Officer | diana.arroyo@ifrc.org

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