Some 400 participants are taking part in Qatar Red Crescent’s (QRCS) recently launched seventh Disaster Management Camp at the Marine Scout Camp in Al Khor.
Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the 10-day event aims to build a well-trained base of volunteers who respond to disasters timely and effectively.
The camp also aims to enhance co-ordination with several organisations and authorities, minimise casualties and property losses, and help the society recover from any future disasters.
According to QRCS, the camp is the only Arabic-speaking specialised training event of such scale, which involves staff and representatives from Qatari government bodies, non-governmental organisations, Arab National Societies, and QRCS volunteers, under the supervision of senior disaster management trainers and experts.
The camp is sponsored by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund, in co-ordination with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations.
The agenda involves two categories of theoretical and practical training: specialised training in six fields (assessment and field co-ordination, shelter and registration, water and sanitation, food and distribution, media and communication in emergency, and emergency healthcare); and general evening training in seven specialties (sphere project, disaster management and leadership in humanitarian action, emergency operation management, logistics, psychological support, secure access, and restoring family links).
Six disaster management camps were organised in 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, which graduated hundreds of volunteers who later engaged in QRCS’ disaster response efforts internationally.
Volunteers assisting participants at the camp.
