October 4th, 2024
Twenty-two emergency volunteers were certified as Shelter Managers after participating in a three-day “Shelter Management Training Workshop” from October 2nd to 4th 2024, hosted by the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).
The workshop was coordinated by NEMO in collaboration with the Shelter Management Sub-Committee, within the Ministry of Education & National Reconciliation, and the United States Agency or International Development/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA).
Delivering brief remarks at the closing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade Conference Room on Friday 4th October, Senior Education Officer responsible for Research and School Safety, Dr. Idelia Ferdinand, welcomed the certification of shelter managers. Ferdinand said the training of shelter volunteers is critical for improved management of shelters when they are activated.
Meanwhile, USAID/BHA’s Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Mrs. Dora James, called on other shelter managers to participate in future training workshops. James underscored the value of the training sessions, given the increased frequency and intensity of storms and other hazards that result in the displacement of residents, many of whom take refuge in public shelters.
The workshop was designed to equip shelter volunteers with the requisite skills, to ensure there is improved capacity to manage emergency shelters when they are activated.
The objectives of the training included:
- Principles governing the management of an emergency shelter
- Roles and responsibilities of shelter management teams and Shelterees
- Use of the various record keeping forms
- Psychosocial support during shelter activation
- Child protection in emergencies
- Return to happiness and,
- Infection prevention and control in shelters.
-End-
