QRCS' course for disaster response teams concludes

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has concluded a training course organised in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) from Sept 22-29 in Al Khor.Titled "Co-ordination, Assessment, and Planning for Disaster Rapid Response Teams", the event was attended by 28 experts, employees, and volunteers from 16 National Societies. It is the fourth course to be co-organised by QRCS & IFRC in Qatar this year.During the opening ceremony, Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, secretary-general of QRCS, praised the international course as a new episode of fruitful co-operation with IFRC on such joint events, which help build the capacity of National Societies in disaster preparedness, response, prevention, and risk reduction.In his online remarks, Dr Hossam al-Sharkawi, regional director for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) at IFRC, said: "Emergency preparedness is crucial. It is about supporting those we truly serve, ensuring their dignity and respect in every step. Together, let's continue to build the capacity of our National Societies and enhance our humanitarian impact".Nader bin Shamlan, regional operations co-ordinator at IFRC, explained: "Generously hosted by QRCS, this training focuses on several topics. One key point is to introduce the participants from many National Societies, both in the region and beyond, to IFRC's tools of assessment, co-ordination, and development of response plans. It is part of the international capacity-building strategy, to enhance emergency operations when needed by National Societies in the field".The course was aimed at enhancing preparedness among National Societies, relief workers, and the Disaster Information Management Center (DIMC) to deal with current and future challenges, as well as ensuring more effective emergency/disaster response by National Societies.It provided the participants with the knowledge and skills to apply planning, organisation, and monitoring standards, enabling them to communicate the information and experience they acquired to their colleagues, which makes their National Societies better prepared to address current and future challenges more efficiently.Several key topics were discussed, including emergency recovery and planning, humanitarian appeal access tools, operational strategy, and funding requirements.During the last three days of the course, the participants practised virtual scenarios on co-ordination, assessment, and planning for disaster rapid response teams, to upgrade emergency response and improve co-ordination with the competent authorities, including Al Khor and Al Dhakhira Municipality, Al Khor Hospital, and DIMC.