Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean #6 by IFRC Americas Communications

VOICES OF THE AMERICAS AND THE CARIBBEAN #6 | JUNE 2017

Content

Cover picture

‘Flash mob’ during IFRC presentation on the ignite stage of the ‘Roadmap to Community Resilience’ in the Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Cancun. Credits: UNISDR

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

Editorial 3 Globar Platform on DRR 4 Operations summary 9 Will not rest until the message is delivered 10 The resilience of the Edmond family 12 Youth network from Central America and Mexico met in Nicaragua 15 Strengthening community resilience 15 In pictures: logistics workshop in Ecuador 16 Development of branches in four Panamanian Red Cross commitees 17 Guanacaste communities are more resilient and reduce the effects of climate change 18 Salvadoran Red Cross conducts drills in schools and communities 21 Brazilian Red Cross: Solidary Tree 22 Port of spain and environs Red Cross Youth helds its first “Health Walk” 23 Beginning of the second phase of the Regional Leadership program in the city of Buenos Aires 24 Red Cross works with communities in vulnerable situations to increase their response capacity before emergencies 26 Sanitation and hygiene promotion with the volunteers of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross 27 Brazilian Red Cross develops youth employment project 28 Giving back to our community 29 Developing life projects 31 Promoting social inclusion and a culture of peace 32 Richter Caribe 2017: An unprecedented simulation exrecise 33 Brazilian Red Cross incorporates university students in their actions in vulnerable communities 34 #RedCrossDay 36

EDITORIAL MARKING NEW DIRECTIONS IN THE AMERICAS We have been building solutions and processes that are still in the making and require a lot of commitment and integrated and integral work. The last few weeks have given us the opportunity to share with many of the National Societies leaders in the region. Both in the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Cancún and at the CORI meeting organized by the Dominican Red Cross, we were able to exchange ideas and concerns from the region that we would like to share now through this newsletter, which is of all who move the spirit Red Cross in the Americas. As everyone knows our region lives a complicated situation to which three major groups of problems are added: 1. A serious inequity and systematic exclusion of vulnerable human beings that live amidst forgotten and invisible disasters. Every day we read about violent crimes against children, defenseless and innocent, we read about our brothers and sisters suffering in silence in many countries where there are deep conflicts and generalized violence, of migrant people that move from one country to another with no support whatsoever, risking it all, we see how the impact and frequency of landslides, flooding, hurricanes, drought and forest fires, as well as earthquakes and volcano eruptions are increasing in time. We confirm the persistence of road accidents and the increase of mortality rates, as well as the increased tendency of epidemics and health problems caused by non-communicable diseases. 2. A structural, systematic and functional weakness of our own network, especially in its governance, management and operations leadership, and of our own capacities as Secretariat in face of the large number of tasks we have and in which we are committed, acting with excessive bureaucratic procedures, low speed and efficiency. We are already working on a process of change that involves challenging some of the traditional structures and accommodative leadership. 3. A slow management and low volume of qualified products, in line with what our countries, communities and governments demand from us, which has become an obstacle to increasing our economic resources. We must work hard to improve levels of implementation and intelligent use of resources, to gain the trust of our allies and to have more “HUMAN RESOURCES” to the full extent of that expression: more volunteers, better leaders with more capacity of positive influence that look for support on innovation, for more services and goods from our own membership network. We are looking to change all that and we have been building solutions and processes that are still in the making and that require a lot of commitment and integrated and integral work. Among the main tasks we are developing, we can highlight, the MATRIX MANAGEMENT, the Integral and Integrated Information System (IMII), TOLUCA PROCESSES 1 and 2, the PORTFOLIO of products of the Federation in the Americas, the plan of business enhancement through the TOP TENS, INTEGRITY processes, a more detailed and efficient management of PERFORMANCE and QUALITY OF MANAGEMENT, the development of proximity WITH and THROUGH CLUSTERS; in short, a series of convergent actions that require the participation of everyone with PASSION, PATIENCE and ACTION, but above all with SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION. That is the commitment that we have assumed as a Secretariat to push the dynamization processes of change what our region is requiring. In this process our beloved Nationals Societies of the region are protagonists and receivers. The Secretariat in the region requires timely and effective feedback, also requires National Societies committed to these changes and the capacity to be involved in a participatory process that results in better processes, services and support throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. We count on you all.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

Red Cross and Red Crescent experts in Cancun for Fifth Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction With the needs of communities affected by disasters rapidly outpacing resources available to respond to them, Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders are calling for a “new approach” to humanitarian action – one that strengthens resilience and builds a foundation of strong local actors. Elhadj As Sy, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is leading the Red Cross and Red Crescent delegation in Cancun. “There is so much more that could be done to protect lives and livelihoods, and dramatically reduce the cost of emergency response by acting fast on warnings and alerts before shocks and hazards hit,” said Mr Sy. “Why do we always wait until people are on the brink of starvation? Why do we always wait until the flood or storm has hit? There is no reason for hazards to become disasters if we prepare and respond adequately.” IFRC will be highlighting the importance of strengthening local humanitarian capacity – an issue that has grown in prominence since last year’s World Humanitarian Summit – as well as a partnership with UNISDR and UN Women that aims to address the deadly consequences of gender inequality in disasters.

Photos by UNISDR and IFRC

VIDEOS: GPDRR2017

FLASH MOB: ROAD MAP TO COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

DATASCULPTURE

OPERATIONS

FACTS AND FIGURES

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS (12.06.2017) EMERGENCY APPEALS Country

Emergency

Pop. Affected Pop. assisted

Budget (CHF)

Coverage

Closing Date

Chile Peru Dominican Republic Haiti Ecuador Regional

Incendios Inundaciones Inundaciones Huracรกn Terremoto Brote Zika

7,157 665,313 1,292,000 1,000,000 1,200,000 746,777

528,860 4,740,589 2,459,751 26,094,551 13,513,095 7,483,112

32% 36% 21% 31% 63% 100%

Abr 13, 2018 Mar 23, 2018 Nov 26, 2017 Apr 06, 2018 Aug 21, 2017 Sep 30, 2017

2,000 50,000 25,000 147,500 85,324 174,078

ACTUAL APPEAL COVERAGE

6 APPEALS People affected: 4,911,247 People assisted: 483,902 Budget: 54,819,958 CHF

47%

26,508,619 CHF FUNDING GAP

28,311,339 CHF

DREF OPERATIONS Country Brazil Colombia

Emergency Brote Fiebre Amarilla Deslizamiento

Pop. Affected 1,431 45,000

Pop. Assisted 26,100 1,500

Budget (CHF) 200,791 114,534

Closing date Jul 19, 2017 Jul 07, 2017

Argentina Totals

Inundaciones

39,777 86,208

3,300 30,900

245,377 560,702

Jul 18, 2017

Percentage of emergency operations by type

11% 11%

33%

11% 11%

Floods Hurricane Landslide Earthquake Outbreak Yellow Fever Outbreak Zika Wildfire

9 OPERATIONS

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

WILL NOT REST UNTIL THE MESSAGE IS DELIVERED

In the shelters there is no record of the people who live in them. It is very difficult to identify those who have entered or have left these camps. By: Fernando Gandarillas / IFRC

Like a compact rug the mud moved forward and made room for itself in between the streets, houses, and walls. It did so violently, without stopping for a moment. It was nighttime and in the house were Braulio Villegas, his wife, and their two children, his brother, and other members of the family. They barely had time to get up and run to save their lives. With them hundreds of people of the El Pedregal community went into panic and fled the current. Braulio and his family decided to stay and take care of their house and belongings, while the rest of the family moved in the darkness to a safer place. After that night they lost all contact. With his wife and two kids Braulio was mobilized by the government to the Shelter of Pedregal, without phones or any other way to communicate he has to conform to the idea that the bad news never arrived and that his family must have survived. However, the uncertainty has kept him awake day and night. Asking acquaintances and people of the area he comes to the possible destiny of this lost family members: the shelter of San Pablo, about 15 kilometers away from the Pedregal community. Given the conditions in which Braulio and his family live moving to find his relatives isn’t possible. Eight days after the disaster, Peruvian Red Cross Personnel visits the shelter offering a Relative Contact Reestablishment Service (RCR) for those people that for many reasons haven’t heard from their loved ones. Braulio comes up to one of the institution’s volunteers and tells him about his situation. The only clue he has is the possible location of his relatives from what some neighbors have told him. The Red Cross Personnel starts the search. Franco, a young volunteer of the Peruvian Red Cross whose enthusiasm is overflowing takes charge of the case. In each shelter he undertakes the complex task of searching through hundreds of families for Braulio’s relatives, keeping in mind that in Piura’s shelters there isn’t any lists of who is living there. In this administration it is estimated that 6800 homes were destroyed, a number that, added to other affecting factors, caused thousands of people to be mobilized to shelters and from these a considerable number is uncommunicated. A huge job for the Peruvian Red Cross’ RCR personnel. “You can get to Rome is you ask long enough” says Franco. It was through word of mouth that he finally came to find one of Braulio’s relatives.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

In the Shelter of San Pablo Carlos Villegas is sitting in one of the white tents distributed by the government. It’s around 12 o’clock in the afternoon, so hot you could think the tent was melting, its inside felt like an oven. Carlos is Braulio’s brother, he’s sitting just outside the tent, barely covering himself from the scorching desert sun, he watches the Peruvian Red Cross personnel and some neighbors walk his way. One of them is Franco, who checks a registry he has in his hand and asks “Are you Braulio Villegas’ brother?” It’s been almost an hour since Carlos confirmed his relationship to Braulio. Now, they all find themselves gathered at the entrance of Braulio’s nephew’s and sister-in-law’s home, near the shelter. Everyone is anxious to learn about their relative’s wellbeing. “Tell him we’re doing well and that we miss him” says his sister-in-law. Franco commits himself to relaying the message. A seemingly simple action what Franco is doing is a great relief when the conditions these people must go through are considered. Motivated by the contact he has made the volunteer mobilizes himself the next day to the El Pedregal Shelter, to inform Braulio of the good news, but when he reaches the shelter he is told that Braulio and his family have left. They don’t know where. Franco once again begins the search. With limited transport, destroyed road, and the lack of reference points in a population that has moved from one place to the other finding this person again is a real challenge. The neighbors direct him towards one house, then another and error and error in a seemingly endless search under the heat of Piura, finally some inhabitants of the area confirm the supposed whereabouts. “If he isn’t here I’m going to die” jokes Franco as he cracks a smile to give himself some encouragement. And his foreboding is not wrong, he arrives at the house where he Braulio’s wife and kids but not him. He’s gone to check on his house and belongings; they don’t know when he’ll be back. To Franco’s delight Braulio has taken a cellphone with him through which he and Franco talk and with great satisfaction is able to give him the message Braulio’s loved ones have trusted him with.

Franco, volunteer of the Peruvian Red Cross, gives the news to Braulio’s sister-in-law and nephew, that he is well and sends them greetings. By: Fernando Gandarillas / IFRC

Carlos Villegas uses the telephone and charger of the staff of Red Cross to make contact with relatives. By: Fernando Gandarillas / IFRC

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

The resilience of tHE Edmond family

In Haiti, for the majority of the population, agriculture and fishing activities mean livelihood. In 2017, the Haitian Red Cross with the support of the Red Cross Movement distributed cash transfer to 2200 families in Ansed’Hainault and Les Irois, two communal sections badly affected by Hurricane Matthew

Located about 75km from the town of Jérémie, the communes of Ansed’Hainault and Les Irois can be found in the extreme south of the department of Grande-Anse. These communities were badly affected by Hurricane Matthew occurred on October 4th, 2016. At Anse-d’Hainault, life is no longer what it was. Since October, Lifete Edmond, a fisherman living in this commune; communal section of BelAir can no longer continue his fishing activities since he lost everything during the hurricane. Indeed, the wind carried away his net, cooler and other fishing equipment. Lucien and his wife also owned a garden where they cultivated breadfruit, bananas, potatoes and beans but, once again, the family did not have any luck because all their crops were completely destroyed leaving the family without any recourse. The Lifete’s situation is not too different from that of other members of the community; they have all somehow been victims of Matthew. Some communities of Anse-d’Hainault and Les Irois, are very remote and isolated due to the impassibility of the roads, and could not benefit from the presence and the help of a large number of humanitarian organizations. The Haitian Red Cross, through its national network of volunteers and reinforced by the remarkable presence of its partners of the Red Cross Movement, has chosen to go to the most inaccessible places, including 5 communities of Anse-d’Hainault and 18 of Les Irois.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

With its “Livelihoods” program, 2200 families (farmers and fishermen) benefit from economic and technical means to contribute not only to their rapid recovery but also to the relaunch of production activities previously crushed by the hurricane. “Families can now return to a normal life to the point where they were and before their hopes were wiped out. The department of Grande-Anse is considered to be the breadbasket of Haiti and this program will not only help the inhabitants of these communities, but the entire country through the increase of food supply”, stated Dr. Guiteau Jean-Pierre, President of the Haitian Red Cross. “The implementation of this program was not easy, as financial institutions were not present in these remote areas; Red Cross volunteers and the program manager have had to show a great deal of ingenuity in order to materialize this project”, said Idrissa Traore, program manager. The Red Cross, always faithful to its principles, accompanies families who have been greatly affected, such as Mr. Lifete Edmond, by strengthening their resilience through programs tailored to the needs of the most vulnerable. “I have only one word in my mouth: THANK YOU Red Cross, for this beautiful gesture, now I am going back to the sea, the place that I know best, the place that allows me to take care of my family, thanks to the Red Cross donation!” rejoiced Mr. Edmond

NEWS

YOUTH NETWORK FROM CENTRAL AMERICA AND MEXICO MET IN NICARAGUA Members of Youth Network from Central America and Mexico held their meeting in Nicaragua to discuss their strategies to support the development of the youth in region and to share their experiences on youth engagement. Also, the Youth Network developed their plan of action for the coming year and elected the National Society of Costa Rica as their new Youth Network Coordinator. The members participating in this meeting came from the National Societies of Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador. The meeting, celebrated from April 21 to April 23, was made possible due to the joint efforts of the IFRC Global Youth Commission, Nicaraguan Red Cross, Italian Red Cross, the IFRC Volunteering and Youth Development Unit of the Americas Regional Office and the American Red Cross.

Contact Information Andrés Morales Volunteering and Youth Development Coordinator Americas Regional Office, IFRC andres.morales@ifrc.org

“Strengthening COMMUNITY RESILIENCE” – VOICES FROM THE GRENADINES Paget Farm is a small fishing village located on the Grenadine island of Bequia. During the floods of November 2016, the fortunes of a poor family in this village took a turn for the worst. Their dwelling house was severely damaged and the ten year old son of the family was killed by flood waters. Social and main stream media were buzzing with activity and the story was widely ventilated within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as well as outside. The Red Cross responded early by providing immediate relief assistance in the form of basic relief supplies and psychosocial support. However, the family remains in an area of Paget Farm that is extremely vulnerable to natural phenomena. They have been asking the public authorities for assistance to re-locate to an area that is safer. Six months following the disaster, the distressed family has received no help in this regard. The situation remains critical and the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross is advocating for its early resolution. The family cannot help themselves, given their social and economic circumstances. The father who is the main provider for the family was a fisherman prior to 2014. During 2014, he was stricken by “Caisson disease”, otherwise known as decompression sickness (or the “bends”), which totally ended his livelihood as a fisherman. Nevertheless, he has shown remarkable resilience in the wake of the immediate disaster and his own debilitating health condition. There is a demand for small fish pots on Bequia and he has adapted very well to produce a small quantity from his dwelling house as his only means of livelihood. His wife is employed on a part time basis as a domestic helper. In spite of their loss, the family continues to search for tools to help themselves and to triumph over adversity. Building and strengthening community resilience is one of the programme priorities of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross in its strategic plan for 2017-2020. The case of the Paget Farm family is a microcosm of what occurs in communities throughout Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the context of Disaster Risk Reduction. It also speaks towards the resilience of ordinary people in the face of natural and other hazards.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean â&#x20AC;¢ #6 | June 2017

IN PICTURES

Logistics workshop in Ecuador

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

DEVELOPMENT OF BRANCHES (BOCA) IN FOUR PANAMANIAN RED CROSS COMMITTEES

Representatives of the Branch of Colon of the Panamanian Red Cross at a BOCA Workshop / Credits: Photo Panamanian Red Cross

The Branches of Chepo, Colon, Chorrera and December 24 of the Panamanian Red Cross held BOCA workshops (organizational capacity’s self-assessment at branch level) during the last two weekends of March and first weekend of April. About 10 representatives of the Board of Directors, volunteers, project managers, management, and other representatives participated from each Branch. The workshops were facilitated by volunteers from the National Society, who were supported by volunteers from the Americas Regional Office of the International Federation’s Secretariat, who were previously trained in February by the Organizational Development Unit of the International Federation. The Branches conducted the self-assessments in terms of organizational capacity to immediately analyse their main challenges and propose action plans for their local institutional development. This activity represents a success that will be achieved when more Branches move forward in a similar development process. Contact information Jean-Marc Le Coq OD Unit, IFRC, Panama Jean-Marc.LECOQ@ifrc.org Tel: +507 6550 5289

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

Guanacaste Communities are more resilient and reduce the effects of Climate Change “Thank you for coming to this town to share knowledge and hope. You have taught us to prepare and reduce the risks that come with climate change. On top of that, we are now a community that, during an emergency, doesn’t wait for help to arrive without doing anything. We now know how to prepare ourselves and what we should do. The Costa Rican Red Cross has enriched us with knowledge and we feel empowered”. This is how Marielos Alvarado, mother of two and member of the Community Emergency Committee in Corrralillos in Filadelfia, described her experience. Seven hundred Costa Rican people from the communities of Filadelfia, Parmira, and Sardinal in Guanacaste have adopted actions and practices to become more resilient communities that worry about the effects of climate change. “Today we are gathered to develop a community fair in which we have Red Cross colleagues from other National Societies of the Latin-American region. In this event examples of good resilience practices were shown to the community. In Costa Rica we are currently focusing on Climate Change Projects, to do this we bring the population: workshops on good practices and better use of water, micro projects, sensitization campaigns, community risk management plans. All of this is for better management of natural resources”, explained Laura Perez, Climate Change Project Coordinator of the Costa Rican Red Cross. During the Community Fair the citizens participated in talks and expositions by participants from the Red Crosses in Latin America. A traffic accident drill also took place so that the Sectional Emergency Committee of Corralillos could put in practice how to attend this type of situations while emergency institutions arrive at the locality to help. The Costa Rican Red Cross as social humanitarian agent contributes to the education processes of townspeople, and the construction of strategies that allows them to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and in that way create plans to reduce and avoid the effects of climate change becoming primary disaster triggers. This change in mindset in the neighbors of these communities is a product of the Resilience and Climate Change projects that the Costa Rican Red Cross develops with support and sponsorship from the American Red Cross and OFDA. “We are very happy with this type of activities that educate us and prepare us for any emergency that might happen here in the community. Our children also start young”, commented Sujey Castillo, neighbor of Corralillo of Filadelfia. Aside from this, as part of the environmental sustainability strategy the Auxiliary Committees of the Costa Rican Red Cross of the Carrillo canton, collaborated in the process of obtaining the Blue Flag in Climate Change award. This week the National Societies of the Red Cross from Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador shared their experiences and achievements in their respective societies through the implementation of projects that strengthen community action to reduce risk before disasters and climate change. This meeting counted with participation of authorities from the Costa Rican Red Cross, American Red Cross, and International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean â&#x20AC;˘ #6 | June 2017

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

Salvadoran Red Cross conducts drills in schools and communities As soon as they hear the alarm bell, children and youth of eight schools of Sensutepeque and Ciudad Dolores, in the department of Cabañas, find themselves ready to leave their class rooms and head towards a safe zone, as part of the training carried out by the Resilience in the Americas project (RITA), executed by the Salvadorian Red Cross and financed by the American Red Cross. The different School Protection Brigades, formed and equipped by the Salvadorian Red Cross activated their functions in an earthquake drill, where they put into practice all their acquires knowledge to safe keep the life of student population, using identifying vests to signal evacuation routs, first aid kits, whistles and other equipment that facilitated the functioning of these committees. “We are implementing the School Protection Plans methodology, from which we have trained the First Aid, Evacuation, Traffic Safety, and Fire Extinguishing Brigades, supported by specialized entities” explained the Local RITA Project Coordinator, Isela Marroquin. In total is was 8 educational institutions that benefited from the project in the localities that developed the drills, to show the capacity to respond in the face of an adverse event that puts the students in a vulnerable situation. From her part, Educational Center Caserio Los Naranjos’ Principal, Carmen Armida Moreno thanked all the support the Salvadorian Red Cross gives for risk reduction in the area “the drills are practices for the training, and it is where the children show the knowledge received”, she expressed. In the same way, in the communities of Fatima and Cebadilla, rescue and first aid attention in cases of traffic accidents and rock landslide drills took place, where the first to react were the Civil Protection Community Committees, trained by the Salvadorian Red Cross. “The Civil Protection Community Committees have been prepared primarily in first aid, reason for which on this occasion they are attending victims coming from a traffic accident and an landslide”, detailed the Local Project Coordinator. Afterwards, the Municipal Protection Commission of Sensutepeque was activated and with sirens, Salvadorian Red Cross ambulances and other institutions mobilized to the El Volcan Canton, the municipality of Sensuntepeque, where the emergencies occurred, and assisted the wounded, moving them to the Victim Concentration Area (VCA). These activities are part of the closing actions for the project, that looks to create opportunities for vulnerable communities to build resilience and likewise augment their knowledge, change attitudes, and better practices of the inhabitants.

BRAZILIAN RED CROSS: SOLIDARY TREE The project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Solidary Treeâ&#x20AC;? was born from a partnership with Libelula Brecho, to keep the homeless warm with clothes and coat donations in the harsh Curitiba winter. This simple idea was transformative, homeless people of the capital of Parana were given clothes and coats which hung from clotheslines that were placed on trees in various plazas. The homeless could pick up a piece for free and keep themselves warm, on cold days. This project has some very important stages before coming to fruition, like the collection of clothes, the organization of these pieces, and finally the distribution of the clothing at the chosen points. La solidarity of each person that donated and the gratitude of the homeless citizens when picking up a piece contributed to the success of the project.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

Port of Spain and Environs Red Cross Youth held its first “Health Walk”

Students of the St Anthony’s Girls Primary School at the Grand Stand, located at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Tuesday 28th March, 2017 presenting their health posters before the walk.

The Port of Spain and Environs Youth Red Cross hosted a health walk at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain. Approximately two hundred and eighty-four (284) school children within the Port of Spain District came out and showed their support for healthy living. Ms. Akeisha Benjamin, Programme Officer of the HIV/AIDS Department spoke to the students on the topics of healthy nutrition, which was then followed by a warm up activity. The walk commenced at 11:00 am. The children were accompanied by their teachers and proudly displayed their creative health posters which incorporated topics such as HIV/AIDS Awareness, Cancer, Nutrition, Exercise, Obesity and Diabetes. Despite the heated forecast, the children appeared to be in high spirits while they clapped and sang to catchy health phrases during their walk around the savannah. Ms. Kathleen Pierre Holder, Director of Youth, said that this was the first health walk held by the Red Cross Youth and that the department will be hosting at least three (3) health activities during each school term. Ms. Pierre Holder did mention that she was indeed satisfied with the turnout from schools. The Youth Director further stated that it is crucial to provide Health Education in schools since it teaches students skills to make healthy choices throughout their lifetime. Ms. Pierre Holder added that she believes Health Education encourages students to improve and maintain their health, prevent diseases, and reduce unhealthy habits. The schools which took part in the walk were: Mucurapo Boys RC School, Mucurapo Girls RC School, Newtown Girls RC School, Richmond Street Boys Anglican School, Bethlehem Girls RC School, Melville Memorial Girls School, Gloster Lodge Moravian School, Ascension Anglican Primary School, Gaines Normal AME School, St. Rose’s Girls’ R.C. Primary School, Belmont Girls’ R.C. Primary School, St. Margaret’s Boys Anglican, St Anthony’s Girls Primary School, St. Catherine’s Girls’ A.C. Primary School. The walk ended at 12:10 pm and the children assembled back at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain where they enjoyed refreshments. Prizes were given for categories such as Most Creative Posters, Best Health Phrase and Most Disciplined. Ms. Pierre Holder gave thanks to the staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society, Mr. Kevin Nancoo, Chairman of the Sports Council in the Port of Spain District and Mr. Stanley Mahase, Principal of the Hockett Baptist Primary School for their assistance in organizing this walk. Thanks, were also given to Mr. John Samson, Curriculum Coordinator and Ms. Anjani Rajubarsingh, Curriculum Officer for their contributions.

Beginning of the second phase of the regional leadership program in the city of Buenos Aires Within the framework of the regional strategy for leadership development of National Red Cross Societies in the region, the second phase of the regional program of competence development in Leadership and Organizational Management for decision-makers of the Governing and Management bodies was launched. This regional program started with the Induction and Guidance Workshop for leaders, which was attended by 16 representatives of the National Societies of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic. During four days, from 5 to 8 June in Buenos Aires (Argentina), the representatives participated in learning, exchange and reflection workshops on institutional doctrine; strengthening the development and sustainability of National Societies and its humanitarian action; talent development; institutional risk management and integrity protection; promotion of coordination and cooperation within and outside the Movement; and the implementation and homologation of the management tools associated with all these issues. After completing the training, the participants formulated an individual plan for the development of their competences where they will receive the accompaniment of voluntary mentors. In addition, they undertook the commitment to promote and support, at the national level, the development of a program and a workshop adapted to their National Society for their leaders, which will have the support of the regional team of experts of the Movement. The workshop was facilitated by Gustavo Ramirez, a volunteer consultant, and a team of members from different components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Red Cross (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the American Red Cross and the Argentine Red Cross. As well as external facilitators, invited to share different perspectives on issues of foresight, volunteerism, financial management and social and humanitarian trends in the region. The first phase of this program was held in December 2016 with leaders of the National Societies of Central America, Mexico, Cuba and Haiti. The main objective of the program is to strengthen the capacities of leaders of National Societies to support them in decision making in accordance with the ethics of the Movement and also seeks that these leaders become real actors in the development of their National Societies and contribute, with peer support and replication of the program at the national level.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

Red Cross works with communities in vulnerable situations to increase their response capacity before emergencies

With the fulfillment of a flooding drill in Lepanto of Puntarenas, the neighbors of this coastal community tested their learning and preparedness to activate the Community Emergency Committee at the threat of a natural disaster. “I am very proud and happy for all the work we’ve done today. We are a community that is frequently exposed to flooding during winter time and because of that we carried out this flood drill today. I am convinced that with this practice today we can improve from our mistakes and keep preparing for the wellbeing of the community”, said Hannia Oviedo, Community leader and member of the Community Emergency Committee of Lepanto. “The Costa Rican Red Cross’ Project RITA, which is sponsored by the American Red Cross, has carried out in Lepanto a series of action that allow for the improvement of community resilience capacities. With this drill we conducted an evaluation of the Early Warning System, the first aid committees, and the activation of voluntary evacuation protocols” explained Elieth Moraga, Coordinator of the RITA Project of the Costa Rican Red Cross. Resilience is the capacity of a system, community, or society exposed to threat to resist, absorb, adapt, and recuperated from its effects in an opportune and efficient manner, which includes preservation and restauration of their structures and basic functions. During the drill they put in practice situations that the community committee members will need to attend and try to resolve on their own while they await the arrival of first response institutions in the case of a flood. Because of this, fictitious patients were used with a variety of affectations, lesions, nervous crises, among others that allowed to measure the level of control and management that the community committees have, for when it is necessary that they are able to tend to this type of events in the first instances of an emergency. One of the objectives of the flood drill in Lepanto was to evaluate the activation of Community Early Warning Systems, which the community uses to inform itself on the advance of a threat, and in the case of Lepanto it works to inform on the evolution of flooding that might affect the community. The activity took place in a coordinated way and counted with the supervision of the National Risk Management and Emergency response Directory of the Costa Rican Red Cross (DINAGER for its name is Spanish), Transit Police, Public Force, Ministry Of Public Education, and more than 20 people and actors form the Lepanto community in the form of emergency brigades.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean â&#x20AC;˘ #6 | June 2017

Sanitation and Hygiene promotion with the volunteers of The SANIT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Red Cross Society

With a lot of enthusiasm and anticipation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society carried out a training on sanitation and hygiene promotion for volunteers and community members. This training had participants from community groups, faith base organizations, nurses, public health/vector workers, and Red Cross volunteers. There were two days of fieldwork. The first one was a visit to the village of Mesoponamia, through a transit walk, where participant observed the practices of the community that are hazardous and can lead to vector problems in that particular community. They were to highlight issues by topics studied over the past three days and each group did a report on their findings.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

The Brazilian Red Cross develops youth employment project The Brazilian Red Cross launched an important project two years ago, for socially vulnerable young people to opt for their first job. At the headquarters of the Central Organ, in Rio de Janeiro, the Professional Education Project (PEP) was developed. In addition to school reinforcement, information on citizenship and notions of first aid, young people between 15 and 23 years were also trained to serve as an office assistant. Throughout the course, the participants had access to psychological and dental care. The overcoming desire expressed by the majority of the participants reveal the importance of the project. In the group of younger candidates, aged 15, Keila Tenorio hoped to achieve her first job, “to afford a university.” Among the oldest, Shaymon Villardo, 23, glimpsed the possibility of progressing in a large company, as “the office assistant function allows this growth.” With her 1-year-old daughter in her lap, Jamille da Silva, at age 19, wanted to “have a job to look after the family.” The project developed in Rio de Janeiro is not the only one in the country. With the aim of awakening in the young person his professional potential, team spirit, solidarity and citizenship, the “Youth Action” program benefits hundreds of people per year around the country. There are times when there are more than 1,000 participants in the Job Training Course. Most of them manage to join the more than 50 institutions that participate in the agreement. All participants are accompanied by a team of social workers, psychologists and pedagogues from the Brazilian Red Cross. Another focus is to strengthen the relationship with the families of the young people assisted by the program, creating a more solid network of protection and human development, through dozens of annual meetings.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean â&#x20AC;˘ #6 | June 2017

Giving back to our Community

Mr. Stephan Kishore, Disaster Management Coordinator and First Aid Instructor leads a session on applying an anatomic splint which is being translated into sign language by Mr. John Henry, member of the Deaf Pioneers Life Centre. By: Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross

The twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has one of the most extensive networks of disaster management systems in the Caribbean. Our National Disaster Office, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) coordinates a wide range of agencies and government Ministries, together with the disaster first responders on the ground from the fourteen (14) disaster management units and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) located at the sister isle in Tobago. This great system works seamlessly in the response to disasters both small and large as well the other legs of the disaster management cycle. So how does the Trinidad & Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS) play a role in Disaster Preparedness even though a strong government organization delegated to Disaster Relief already exists? In the latter part of 2016 and into 2017, the TTRCS Disaster Management Department conducted research on the small niche areas of underserved and vulnerable populations which then led to a capacity building project. During our analysis, we observed that some of the most neglected groups comprised of persons with disabilities. The TTRCS Disaster Management Department saw that little was being done to ensure that persons with disabilities were educated about Disaster Preparedness. In November 2016, the TTRCS Disaster Management Department began a partnership with an advocacy group, The Deaf Pioneers Life Centre. This non-profit organization provides deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with social services which are not accessible to them due to their health disabilities. A large component of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programmes focuses on life skills and training.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

The Disaster Management Department worked closely with members of the organization to develop a Disaster Plan, which included the location of their primary emergency shelter as well as alternate accommodations. In addition, participants were taught how to assemble a disaster supply kit for themselves and a Disaster Preparedness video with sign language interpretation was completed and uploaded to Social Media. As a continuation of the capacity building relationship, the Disaster Management Department began training these members in First Aid. Mr. Stephan Kishore, Disaster Management Coordinator and First Aid Instructor stated, “During the training, we explained concepts in a simple form. In conjunction with the sign language, interpreters additionally utilized various visual aids and illustrations to explain topics. The organizers Sharon and John Henry were a crucial link in ensuring the success of the training.” Three sessions were completed in April and May 2017 to cover the basic First Aid Curriculum which included topics on Patient Assessment, Bruises, Open Wounds, Amputations, Burns, Fractures, Sprains, Bandages, Tourniquets, Anatomical, Soft and Rigid Splints, Arm Slings, and Sudden Illnesses such as Stroke, Seizures, Fainting, Asthma, Diabetic Emergencies and Allergic Reactions. Later in 2017 more training will follow in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills. The Disaster Management Department has also embarked on this track with the Trinidad & Tobago Blind Welfare Association to train their executive members and staff, many of them who are blind as well as their members in Disaster Preparedness. In March 2017, the Disaster Management Department met with Executive Officer of the Association, Mr. Kenneth Suratt to develop the Disaster Preparedness Training that would be beneficial and acceptable to blind persons. This partnership also led to the translation of key preparedness print material such as brochures and our disaster plan templates to be converted into braille for the future benefit of other blind persons. On April 20th 2017, the Disaster Management Department delivered its first presentation on Disaster Preparedness. The session was very interactive and allowed blind persons to share their experiences dealing with small scale incidents in the past and how they could improve their situation by subscribing to various early warning systems as well as downloading the TTRCS apps on First Aid and Hazards which also send out notification messages about emergencies as well as information about shelters in their area. Blind persons use a lot of cellphone based technology in their daily lives such as GPS and Text-to-Speech so they are more able to incorporate the disaster related apps into their preparedness regime. This year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day theme was aimed at highlighting how National Societies worldwide are addressing humanitarian challenges through innovative and unusual approaches. With this purpose in mind, the Disaster Management Department planned a Disaster Preparedness Kit Competition. The competition was open to all executive members, staff and members of the Association, where participants were required to assemble a disaster preparedness kit with the information presented by the TTRCS. The Disaster Management Department plans to continue working with the Blind Welfare Association in collaboration with the municipal disaster management unit to designate the Association’s compound as an Emergency Shelter and install the essential amenities required. The compound is in the heart of the capital city and is known by many blind persons. In the event of a disaster in the city, blind and sighted persons could seek refuge there until it is safe for them to evacuate.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

Developing life projects

Aura María Elías, 66, resident of the Municipality of Villa Nueva. By: Guatemalan Red Cross

With the objective of providing additional tools to develop life projects that look to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of violence in the environments were people develop, the Guatemalan Red Cross with the support of the Norwegian Red Cross develops the project “Art, school workshop”. In which it looks to provide additional tools to develop life projects. Additionally, the beneficiaries acquire practices to identify business opportunities in their surroundings and establish entrepreneurial proposals that aim towards bettering their quality of life and that of their families; just as is the case of Aura Maria Alias of 66 years of age, resident of le Villa Nueva municipality, Guatemala, who hence forth tells her story. “Before I only supported myself making handcrafts, but I felt that it took me too much. Now, thanks to the Red Cross, I learned to make cakes and mole. I made a few and gave them out as samples, and people like them. And just like that it grew and grew, I started making 15 cakes and now I make 65, with the mole I started making 20 portions and today I make 60.” Two years ago my husband suffered from an armed robbery on the bus; he tried to save his life by getting off the bus from which he fell under the wheel of a truck. His leg was amputated… Since then I take care of him. I used to say “how am I going to move forward form here? I don’t get any money from my husband, I have a son that helps me but he has a wife. What am I going to do?” I felt like my world was going under. But one day I ran into a person from the Red Cross and he asked me what I did. I told him I took care of my husband. He asked me if I wanted to attend a workshop and I agreed; since that year I am part of this and they have taught me how to cook in order to sell food and help my family. The Red Cross gave my husband a prosthetic leg, recovery therapies and they are teaching me. My experience has been very good; I came with very low self-esteem, without any motivation to do anything, trapped by my problems. When I started coming here I started to regain my self-esteem through lessons. I though “No! How is this happening? I need to lift myself up! I need to be someone, do something! and I did and I still am. “I thank the Red Cross”

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

promoting social inclusion and a culture of peace

Victor Enrique Galicia García, 17 years old beneficiary of the Violence Prevention project. By: Guatemalan Red Cross

Guatemalan Red Ross with the support of the Norwegian Red Cross, implements strategies for the promotion of children’s participation and the fomentation of social inclusion and peace culture in the municipalities of Villa Canales and Villa Buena, of Guatemala, Victor Enrique Galicia Garcia of 17 years of age, beneficiary of the project Violence Prevention tells his story: “I now feel the capacity to develop, be a better person and help others; my life has changes, it’s better than the one I once had”. I live in a dangerous place, where children are in danger every day, like involvement in gangs, drug addiction, extortion, and many other things. Like a lot of kids, I too ran these risks when I was 12, I spent my free time on the streets without doing anything. One day the Red Cross arrived at my school and informed us of the activities they had with children, I thought they were firefighters… I had no idea what the Red Cross did… my cousin, who had joined the project told me “Lets go, it’s fun!” The curiosity overtook me and I said yes; the next day we went bright and early and that’s how I started to get involved in the project. Five years later, I’m still here, I participate in theatre performances to raise awareness of violence prevention. Through my involvement I can show other kids that they can use their time in healthy ways, and shine in life. I’m also in a cooking workshop, which I really enjoy, I’ve learned a lot… I also know it could be a way to support myself in the future. Today I am thankful to the Red Cross, thanks to them I have learned a lot, I no longer spend my time in the streets. I’m also a volunteer because I like helping people and this institution does just that. I feel like it is a commitment that I come to the Red Cross to keep helping others that receive support.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

RICHTER CARIBBEAN 2017: an unprecedented simulation exercise

Guadeloupe, Le Moule, March 23th. Assistance and psychosocial support provided by the volunteers of the French Red Cross/Guadeloupe branch, to the affected people, in the Emergency Shelter Center set up in the aftermath of the disaster (each center designed to host 50 people)/ Credits French Red Cross

The Lesser Antilles hosted, from 21th to 24th of March 2017, the first international simulation exercise of the European Civil Protection Mechanism overseas. This unprecedented SIMEX was called “UE RICHTER Caribbean 2017”. The French Red Cross, through its regional delegation for the Caribbean PIRAC (Regional Intervention Platform for the Americas and the Caribbean) has coordinated the engagement of entities of the French Red Cross in the exercise (3 overseas branches: Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint-Martin, as well as the regional delegation PIRAC). The scenario designed was inspired by a real major earthquake event that affected Guadeloupe in 1843 destroying a large part of its main city, Pointe-à-Pitre, but also several islands throughout the region. As part of the exercise, the earthquake, whose epicenter was located in northeastern Guadeloupe, caused a tsunami and several major aftershocks. The earthquake and tsunami virtually significantly impacted large territories of the Caribbean archipelago including the French Antilles and number of neighbor countries and overseas territories causing thousands of casualties, dozens of thousands of affected people and major damages. As auxiliary of the public authorities the French Red Cross immediately deployed its response capacities in support to affected population, including two emergency shelter centers in Martinique and Guadeloupe where dozens of volunteers provided assistance and psychosocial support to people in need. The PIRAC also deployed a water treatment station specifically designed for humanitarian operations on isolated island contexts. Since the exercise was of a regional dimension, three Red Cross water specialists from neighbor national societies: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia and Dominica Red Cross, previously trained by the PIRAC in running this type of water purification equipment, came to Guadeloupe to assist the French Red Cross on the French ground in serving the affected population, alongside the FRC volunteers from the Martinique and Guadeloupe overseas branches. The PIRAC also organized the coordination of the FRC with the French civil protection, the IFRC/Americas Regional Office and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) to build an early international response to a major international disaster.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Voices of the Americas and the Caribbean • #6 | June 2017

The President of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, Michael Joseph, did the honor of coming to Guadeloupe during the SIMEX with the aim of observing the French Red Cross’ intervention capacities in overseas territories, bringing back ideas and building competencies of its own national society within the framework of a regional Caribbean Cooperation Movement approach. This UE Richter Caribbean exercise was very important and useful to remind everyone that no any single country and territory is invulnerable within the highly risk prone area of the Caribbean. The exercise allowed find out ways for improvement in terms of awareness, preparedness, and coordination. Before all, however, it showed the importance of being ready and well prepared. It also allowed the demonstration of the capacity and the strengths of the Red Cross Movement to be alongside the affected people in times of disaster, it has highlighted the chain of solidarity which joins in a same effort and spirit volunteers and professionals, Caribbean overseas branches, and national societies, that share a unique common ambition: alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable. For further information, please contact: Sendy Veerabadren, Head of FRC Caribbean Regional Delegation PIRAC sendy.veerabadren@croix-rouge.fr | Tel: +590 690 17 50 86

The Brazilian Red Cross incorporates university students in their actions in vulnerable communities The Brazilian Red Cross incorporated university students to participate in the “Operation Red Cross Alive”. The students offered their knowledge to serve socially vulnerable populations of about 30 cities in the states of Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão and Rio de Janeiro. The 250 young people selected are students from different careers. Most of the cities chosen are among those with the lowest human development index (HDI). The students, accompanied by instructors, were able to put into practice the knowledge acquired during their studies. After a short training course of community work, the selected university students left Rio de Janeiro for the Northeast, where they will be working for 15 days, during the period of university vacations. Scholars from the states visited also joined the group. This integration of young people from different areas and regions of the country was another positive point of the initiative. The project involved students in Law, Biology, Medicine, Nutrition, Pedagogy, Psychology, Dentistry, Nursing, Communication, Social Service, Physical Education and Speech-Language Pathology courses.

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