QRCS Disaster Management Camp promotes volunteerism

DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is running its 8th Disaster Management Camp (DMC-8), first of its kind in Arabic language at the Marine Scout Camp, in Al Khor to train its staff and volunteers from Qatar and outside for raising awareness in Qatari community about the importance of disaster preparedness.

“DMC-8, a 10-day comprehensive training camp which began on October 23 is providing academic and field training using virtual reality simulator for disaster management by well-experienced trainers from Qatar and abroad on how to tackle humanitarian crisis caused by train accident, or any natural disaster like earthquake and heavy floods,” Dr Hamad Al Fayyad, Head of the DMC-8 told The Peninsula.

He said that the trainees are also getting theoretical and practical lessons with the help of simulation on how to deal with man-made disasters during unrest and war.

“The objective of DMC is to build a well-trained base of volunteers who can respond to disasters timely and effectively, enhance coordination with relevant organizations and authorities, minimize casualties and property losses, and help society recover from any future disasters,” said Al Fayyad.

He said that due to growing importance of disaster management training camp, QRCS has planned to hold such camp every year.

Speaking about the importance of disaster management training, Al Fayyad said that by training a single individual, the life of 100 people could be saved. “Moreover, for larger benefit, the graduates of the DMC will be able to train many other people about basics of disaster management,” he added.

He said that DMC-8 offered a complete disaster management training program of intentional standards which enables trainees to tackle all types of humanitarian crisis caused by natural disasters or those of man-made.

Al Fayyad said that around 350 people from Qatari government bodies and NGOs, friendly National Societies, the United Nations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are participating DMC-8.

“There are about 180 trainees including 40 people from abroad representing 17 countries. First time, trainees are participating from Afghanistan because they can speak Arabic,” said Fayyad.

He said that a total of 140 trainees including 75 women joined DMC-8 from Qatar; they are from 40 cadres of military service, 45 from the different youth camps run by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and many other volunteers.

Speaking about the real value of training in DMC, Al Fayyad said: “I saw graduates of DMC working during relief operation by QRCS at many places like Bangladesh and India; they are fully capable to do their job properly. I am one of them. I participated DMC two times already, and this third time working as the head of the camp.”

He said that QRCS emerged as one of the top Red Crescent in first response to the disasters in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines. “We – the team from QRCS trained under DMC worked recently with Indian Red Crescent Society to support the flood victims of Kerala,” he added.

He said that after 10-day training the talented graduates will be recommended to be part of the QRCS’s team during their relief operations abroad. “The graduates after joining a couple of relief operations will become assistant couches likewise gradually they are being picked up for top jobs in QRCS,” he added.

“We are proud of our country Qatar for giving us such a valuable knowledge absolutely free bearing all operation costs of camping operation which houses 350 people including trainers, trainees, management, volunteers and workers,” said Al Fayyad. 

He said that participants are being served breakfast, lunch, dinners. “The camp provides medical support, uniform and accommodation for men inside the camp and hotel facility outside the camp for female participants.

The camp also has a football ground and facilities for training of international standards,” he added.