Training on community-based disaster risk management and disaster risk assessment

At the training courses from August 8 to 10. Photo: HelpAge

At the training session, HelpAge and CRS have provided the information regarding the training topic, and all participants attended the training also exchanged and discussed methods to include older people in the process of community-based risk assessment. Participants also practiced applying these methods and the tools for disaster risk assessment as well. At the end of the course, the members also took the final test and training assessment to ensure the effectiveness of the training course.

This is an activity organized in the framework of the project “Building Resilience to Natural Hazards in Central Vietnam – Phase 3” implemented by the Consortium of 5 organizations including HelpAge International in Vietnam, Catholic Relief Services, Plan International Vietnam, Save the Children in Vietnam, American Red Cross under the sponsorship of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

In Phase III, with a total budget of USD 2.9 million, the project will target to assist over 180,000 people and be implemented in 20 communes/wards, of which the Vietnam Red Cross/American Red Cross is implementing the project in 6 urban wards of three provinces: Quang Ngai, Quang Nam and Ha Tinh.

Four of the consortium partners will implement a standard package of services, developed and refined in Phases I and II and designed to increase community resilience to disasters, in all of the designated communities where they work. The technical intervention design and supporting tools will be coordinated by the Technical Lead designated for each intervention based on the respective organizations’ areas of expertise.

The Technical Lead will provide technical guidance for other consortium organizations in the field that they lead: Rural Community Based Disaster Risks Management (CBDRM) led by Catholic Relief Services; Integration of Older People (OP) inclusion led by HelpAge International in Vietnam; Urban CBDRM led by Vietnam Red Cross/American Red Cross; Integration of DRR/CCA into local Social Economic Development Planning led by Save the Children; Early Warning System audit and improvement led by Vietnam Red Cross/American Red Cross; Disaster Resilient Shelter led by Catholic Relief Services and Safe School Initiatives co-led by Plan International and Save the Children.

Meanwhile, HelpAge will serve as cross-cutting Technical Lead for Older People inclusion. In this role, HelpAge International in Vietnam will not only provide ongoing guidance and monitoring to consortium partners throughout implementation, but will also develop guidelines on Older People inclusion in CBDRM; review and improve CBDRM and community based disaster risk assessment (CBDRA) training materials and tools to be more age inclusive; and train consortium members and local partners on age awareness and inclusion./.