Possible Through Partnership With Hand In Hand Ministries

For 2012 alone, some 600 persons were reached through BRC’s services; 2065 persons by educational activities; 645 persons reached by information and educational materials; 6 persons were certified in the Home Care Givers program, and 30 families living with HIV were assisted with healthy food and groceries.

(NOVEMBER, 2012 – JUNE, 2013) FUNDED BY AMERICAN RED CROSS (US$96,850.00)

In October, 2012, a team of 16 American Red Cross personnel visited Belize to test a new assessment tool,the Integrated Participatory Assessment (IPA) tool, in one of the communities currently working with. The Belize Red Cross DRR Team, which included Fred Hunter, Jessie Young and Terence Woodye, accompanied the ARC team in the Ladyville/Lord’s Bank communities, where they were able to successfully test the tool. The ARC was happy with the level of participation from the communities, which made their revision of the tool a success.

This tool is now being piloted in the districts of Orange Walk (Louisianna, Trial Farm, Black Water Creek, Santa Cruz and San Antonio) and Corozal (San Victor, Consejo and Corozal Town) and 1 in the district of Belize (Jane Usher Community, Belize City). The project started with a VCA-like activity, which goes beyond the usual process since it incorporates health, livelihoods, shelters, infrastructure and general lifeline facilities of the communities. The methodology is designed to be a holistic, multi-sector assessment with a focus on participatory, action-oriented learning with the communities to identify key needs and vulnerabilities, as well as existing capacities and resources that may be mobilized to enhance resilience. The first steps include the use of information gathering tools, such as transect walk, community mapping, historical profile, to name a few. This is followed by the analysis and ranking process, which is comprised of data compilation, cost benefit analysis, and formulating and supporting the development of Community Action Plans (CAPs). One of the significant benefits to the communities is their increased knowledge on how to identify and rank potential vulnerabilities and subsequently prepare plans for mitigation of these vulnerabilities, including costing.

(NOVEMBER – DECEMBER, 2012) (FUNDED BY THE NORWEGIAN RED CROSS THROUGH THE IFRC) (US$20,000.00)

To raise awareness about climate change among the general population and key stakeholders and to reduce urban risk in the vulnerable, marginal neighbourhood was the focus of this project. The Jane Usher Boulevard area was strongly affected by the passing of Hurricane Richard, facing severe flooding, damage to houses, and a rise in illnesses.

A public awareness campaign about climate change was carried out in the city of Belize. Using different methods to raise awareness, (posters, Facebook,) key messages were delivered to the general population. The Jane Usher Community was mobilized to improve their neighbourhood, cleaning up, reduce breeding grounds for vector, and beautifying by planting trees. The Belize Red Cross further demonstrated their support by donating a 20-foot container to safely store the initial equipment and materials donated through the project for the clean-up and to remain as future storage space for the resource centre once this was completed. Items donated through the project for the clean-up activity were wheelbarrows, shovels, hole diggers, weed wackers, machetes, rakes, garbage bags, gloves and garbage bins, files and paint.

The final event was an open day organized as a platform to continue raising awareness about climate change and to advocate for support to reduce risk in the urban area. The community continues to advocate for a resource centre and a health post with the support of the Belize Red Cross.

(MAY – DECEMBER, 2012) FUNDED BY THE NORWEGIAN RED CROSS (US$120,689.00)

This project focused on conducting follow up work with previously established Community Disaster Response Team (CDRT) members in the Jane Usher Community, updating Community Emergency Plans and carrying out a table top simulation in coordination with NEMO.

From July-August, 2012 the project focused on conducting a summer camp for children in the Jane Usher Community. Special focus of the camp was on the children having fun and receiving education on topics such as PSP, First Aid and DRR, while developing a culture of peace and dignity. The summer camp lasted for 6 days, over a period of 2 weeks. With the help of the Jane Usher CDRTs 85 children between the ages of 9-13 were recruited and an average of 50 children attended each day. The success of the summer camp was measured by evident behavior changes in many of the youth during and by the end of the camp.

The children learned a variety of topics including disaster preparedness, violence prevention, peace and dignity. Among other arts and crafts, the children were asked to create their ideal neighbourhood and came up with very innovative displays.

On the last day of the summer camp parents and friends visited and witnessed the children’s good performances. Awards were distributed for good performances and good behavior.

The largest component of the project was the protected schools program with 4 schools selected in consultation with the Ministry of Education. Participants (students, teachers and parents) were trained to respond to any type of disasters. 5 brigades were formed in each school, PSP, First Aid, Evacuation and Shelter, Fire Safety and General Safety. Each school will receive school safety equipment, which includes first aid kits, fire extinguishers, megaphones, and miscellaneous school supplies. Each school developed their School Safety Plan under the BRC’s guidance, to be approved by the Ministry of Education. This program saw the strengthening of relationships among BRC, partners and stakeholders as facilitation of training was shared.

At the end of the program all schools were invited to a 1-day field trip to the Baboon Sanctuary in Bermudian Landing, where they participated in games and learned about the culture of the area and reviewed what they had learned in the program.

The final component was the implementation of 1 micro-project in each of the 4 schools. Selection and the prioritization of micro-projects were done in consultation with the schools and based on most urgent need.

There were 654 persons who benefited directly from the project activities. Indirect beneficiaries through the schools were 1,545; in Jane Usher Community 798 families or 1,536 persons and in the wider population of Belize, approximately 70,800. This includes every medium utilized to disseminate information during the lifetime of the project.

These teams are composed of about 2-12 residents from the target communities and are trained and equipped by the Belize Red Cross and presented to NEMO, enhancing their teams and assisting in the national response to disasters within their respective communities.

• CDRTs are certified in 14 Subjects as listed below:
• CDRTs and Disasters
• CDRTs and Disaster Preparedness
• Community Assessment after a Disaster Psychosocial
• Support in Disasters
• Fire Safety
• Emergency Care
• Light Search and Rescue Operations
• Shelter Management
• Public Health in Emergencies and Vector Control
• Climate Change
• Livelihoods Assessment and Analysis
• Children and Adolescents in Disaster
• Violence and Crime Prevention, Mitigation and Response
• Telecommunication
• CDRTS – COMMUNITY DISASTER RESPONSE
• TEAMS

The training also covers additional subjects such as HIV & AIDS Prevention and First Aid & CPR and is carried out by BRC with assistance for facilitation from other partners engaged in the different fields of specialization, e.g., Fire Department (Fire Safety); NEMO (Shelter Management); Ministry of Health (Public Health); Marine IT, (Telecommunication); CERT (Search & Rescue).

In June, 2011, while the community of Jane Usher Boulevard was engaged in DRR activities, four schools: St. John Vianney R.C., Queen Square Anglican, James Garbutt S.D.A. and Salvation Army Primary Schools, received DRR training, saw the formation of 5 trained brigades, received school safety equipment and developed their School Safety Plan.

(AUGUST 2012-OCTOBER 2012) (US$27,169.25)

Upon the threat of Hurricane Ernesto to Belize, the Belize Red Cross requested technical support from the Pan American Disaster Relief Unit (PADRU) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent in Panama. Two delegates were deployed by August 7th, 2012, one DM Delegate, Ms. Annamaija Beloff, and one Water and Sanitation Delegate, Mr. Omar Robinson. They travelled to Corozal with BRC Volunteers and even before the all clear sign was declared by NEMO, the team braved the remaining TS winds and began assessments. While there was not heavy damage from the event, secondary hazards were identified as a result.

• Over flowed latrines
• 50%-100% loss of fruit and vegetables home grown
• Over flowed wells
• Heavy problems with mosquito
• Stagnant water all over village (no drainage system) Roof damage
• Milpas and fields 10%-75% damaged

A total of 29 villages were assessed in the Corozal District. Seven volunteers from the Corozal (6) and Orange Walk branches (1) worked tirelessly to assist 202 affected families (1,152 persons). Affected persons received food, water, blankets, tarps, mosquito nets, jerry cans, pot sets, hygiene kits and cleaning items.

The operation would not have had the success it had if it was not for the good and selfless work of Staff, Volunteers and the assistance of the IFRC. The Belize Red Cross sincerely thanks the 7 Volunteers and HQ staff who assisted and led the response, as well as the members and leadership of the Corozal Branch who made their branch available.

 

(JANUARY, 2012-AUGUST, 2013)

FUNDED BY USAID/OFDA THROUGH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS (US$345,226)

Number of beneficiaries targeted in Belize: 55,200

This project aimed to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and socio-economic impact from climate-related and other disasters in the Caribbean communities.

BELIZE DISTRICT	STANN CREEK DISTRICT
Jane Usher Community, Belize City	Dangriga Town
Western Paradise Community,	Mile 8 Hopkins Village
Belama Phase 4, Belize City	Independence Village
Hattieville	Seine Bight Village
Ladyville	Placencia Village
Lords Bank	Sittee River Village
San Pedro, Ambergis Caye	–
Caye Caulker	–

This project is still ongoing and has seen many accomplishments so far. VCAs have been carried out in most of the 14 communities. There have been community participation and engagement in most of the communities with the leadership and guidance from experienced Staff and Volunteers. These activities were mainly focused on the VCA tools of community mapping and direct observation and the household assessments.

Community members are brought together, regardless of political affiliation, religion, color, sex or age, to participate in community training in disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The community of Jane Usher became very participatory and quickly formed their CDRT and were trained and equipped. This group, today called Jane Usher Neighourhood Association (JUNA) is a registered body and is doing positive work within the Jane Usher Boulevard area.

A video was completed in the Jane Usher community in Belize City and a climate change video in Stann Creek. Both these videos can be accessed on the website of the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent (ifrc.org), on YouTube sites and on the Belize Red Cross Face Book page.

One key success to highlight is the Ministry of Health’s approach to the Belize Red Cross to identify volunteers in the Jane Usher Boulevard community to receive monthly training as Community Nurse’s Aides. 16 volunteers were recruited, 2 males and 14 females and are presently working with the Ministry of Health in their community outreach programs.

Through this project other achievements to realize are:

• The recruitment and training of more volunteers into the National Intervention Team (NIT)

• Volunteer Management in Emergency training

• First Aid training

• Selection of Community Disaster Response Teams from the 14 target communities and

• training and equipping of these teams

• Development of Community Disaster Plans and Drill exercises

• Family Preparedness

• Development and implementation of Micro-Mitigation Projects

FUNDED BY THE NORWEGIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SUPPORTED BY THE NORWEGIAN RED CROSS (US$169,950.00)

This project aimed to identify and assess physical needs for disaster risk reduction in the rural south and in urban Belize City. The project worked with 14 communities in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts and with the community of Jane Usher Boulevard. Besides updating Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) and Community Plans, the intervention brought integration of the individual community plans into joint plans for adjoining communities and/or communities sharing commonalities.

In Belize City the project worked with existing Government, NGOs, and civil society stakeholders already established within the city area selected to bring about sustainable community participation in DRR activities via VCA, community planning and the Protected Schools elements. The project utilized the long standing experience of using these tools in rural settings to test their efficiency in urban settings, and to further develop additions to these tools as well as develop a process that could be replicated for further efforts in the country. The human and organizational experience and capacity of the Belize Red Cross National Society was also dramatically enhanced.

CDRT’s in 14 communities in the southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo were reactivated. EOC’s of BRC HQ and the 2 southern district branches of Stann Creek and Toledo were activated and on standby for two potential disaster events. The “Protected Schools Program” was implemented, which provides classroom materials on personal security, site hazard evaluation, disaster plans, evacuation, self-worth, first aid, and disaster brigade development among others. Five brigades; First Aid, Evacuation and Temporary Shelter, Fire Safety, General Safety, and Psycho-Social were established and trained in each of the 4 schools. Students, teachers and parents were involved in the development of these brigades and 235 students benefited.

Today, the Belize Red Cross continue the implementation of the disaster preparedness and risk reduction program in 14 urban and urban/rural communities. Through VCAs the communities learn to identify the vulnerabilities that exist in their communities, the risks they are exposed to and are given the opportunities to turn these vulnerabilities to capacities, thus strengthening their resilience to the impacts of disasters.

(2011)

FUNDED BY USAID/OFDA (US$30,000)

In 2011 USAID funds allowed the BRC to strengthen and improve four community centers in Rancho Dolores, Flowers Bank, May Pen, and Lemonal through renovations. These centers are also used as hurricane shelters. At least 2 of these communities also received radios to improve their communication system, one also received a new generator and another received water tanks and pump.

In October, 2012, Belize Red Cross Society in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through the technical support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the kind financing of the Canadian International Development Agency, conducted a work shop on “Emergency Operating Centre” for the Ministry of Health and other health Agencies. BRC Facilitator, certified by the Regional Reference Centre for Disaster Preparedness located in El Salvador, was acquired to work along with partners from BRC and IFRC facilitating the training. There were 18 participants from the Health Sector and the Belize Red Cross, 11 females and 7 males, who are directly involved in response to disasters. This activity was organized with the purpose of strengthening the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) of health institutions to respond to public health consequences/emergencies during and after a disaster.

(2010-2011)

In October, 2010 Belize Red Cross Staff and Volunteers responded to the effects of Hurricane Richard in the districts of Belize, Stann Creek and Cayo. Distributions of food and other relief items were carried out. Belize Red Cross launched a local appeal and raised approximately BZ$103,000. Through the International Federation’s appeal, a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) was received to the tune of US$56,303.00, which was used to purchase food packages and other relief items such as hygiene kits, blankets, buckets, tarps, jerry cans and kitchen sets.

USAID/OFDA donated US$5,000.00 towards cleaning kits, water and mattresses and the American Red Cross donated US$80,000.00 for repairs to homes through a voucher program.

LOCATION (Belize City)	TOTAL PERSONS ASSISTED
Total Belize City	1024
Total BEL RIV	242
Total Other Bze Rural	601
Dangriga	339
Belmopan	0
Total Assisted	2206

The American Red Cross House Repair Voucher Program in December, 2010 benefited 69 households.

LOCATION (BELIZE DISTRICT)	NUMBER OF HOUSES ASSESSED	NUMBER OF HOUSES REPAIRED
Gracie Rock	42	35
Hattieville	50	34
Grand Total Assessed	92	69