(Al-Bireh -18/8/2016): PRCS concluded its seventh National Disaster Response Camp held over nine days in Massafer Bani Na’im (Hebron Governorate) with the participation of around 50 volunteers. The camp was held with support from the Canadian Development Agency through the Canadian Red Cross.
The camp’s closing ceremony was attended by PRCS’ Director General Dr. Khaled Joudeh, Canadian Red Cross President Mr. Conrad Sauvé and his accompanying delegation, the Mayor of Bani Na’im Mr. Mahmoud Manasrah, several PRCS’ Heads of Programs and Branches as well as representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations in Bani Na’im.
Dr. Joudeh explained that this was the seventh camp of its kind to be held in Massafer Bani Na’im. These camps are a key pillar of the PRCS’ strategy aimed at developing the capacities of PRCS’ staff and volunteers so they are better able to serve their homeland and to respond to the continuous natural and occupation-made disasters it faces.
They also polish the skills volunteers need to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by harsh weather episodes as well as to the civilian victims of Israeli oppressive measures, he said. Dr. Joudeh highlighted and lauded cooperation between PRCS and partner National Societies, mainly the Canadian Red Cross, adding that these camps enhance ties between the National Disaster Response Team on the one hand and civil society organizations on the other with a view to better serving Palestinians, achieving freedom and building an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Mr. Sauvé said he was satisfied with his first visit to the oPt during which he got acquainted with PRCS’ services and achievements in Palestine and the Diaspora. He lauded efforts made by PRCS and underlined the importance of such training camps which help build capacities within PRCS and in local communities so people are better able to respond to all potential disasters in a timely manner.
The Camp offered participants theoretical and practical training in the following fields: maintaining communications, provision of shelter, water and sanitation as well as safeguarding health in times of disaster, supplies, Relief Appeals, distribution of relief items, coordination of humanitarian aid, Sphere Standards, Codes of Conduct, Operations Rooms, risk mitigation, gender, logistical support, First Aid, evacuation, personal safety, rescue and firefighting as well as data and information systems. Several exercises and practical training sessions were also organized.
The Camp is in line with the Society’s Strategy and the National Crisis Response Strategy which both aim at creating a national team comprising volunteers trained to respond to humanitarian disasters, to discharge their responsibilities and to work under stress. At the end of the Camp, diplomas were handed to participants.
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