Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) held a two-day basic disaster management course at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) for 25 students to prepare them for participation in the Disaster Management Camp by the year-end.
The training aimed to build the disaster response capacity among volunteers, practice activities of preparedness and create a team ready for intervention in emergencies.
It is the first step for volunteers in the field of disaster preparedness, response, and management. Its curriculum is accredited by International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Lectures were delivered by eight relief experts on topics, including overview of International Red Cross and Red Crescent and Qatar Red Crescent; disaster management; sphere project, nutrition; logistics; psychological support; field assessment; water and sanitation; risk analysis; and shelter and camp management.
The participants were divided into four working groups. The sessions involved brainstorming, teamwork, practice, simulation scenarios, case studies and emergency planning.
The attendees were introduced to experiences of the QRCS Risk Reduction Team which took part in the relief mission for victims of the earthquake in Nepal last year.
The course was praised by trainees, who said they acquired professional and practical knowledge and experiences. They thanked QRCS for efforts to develop their capabilities to be ready to help the distressed everywhere and raise awareness. This, they said, promotes humanitarian action and volunteerism in line with QRCS’s charitable message.
QRCS and GU-Q have held basic disaster management courses for over 60 students. Such courses are part of QRCS’s training and qualification portfolio, which involves community lectures and courses on safety and security, public health, first aid, and surface water rescue.
There are several basic and advance disaster management courses, culminating in the camp, which is the only Arabic event of its kind.
The Peninsula
