UNLEASHING DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EXCELLENCE: FACE MASTERS THE ART OF RISK MANAGEMENT

by: Chikumbutso Gasper Willard - 30|06|2023

Empowered participants in Disaster Risk Management by LCS4R Project

From June 19th to 21st, 2023, the Foundation for Active Civic Education-FACE actively participated in a highly informative workshop hosted by the International Medical Corps and Concern Worldwide. This workshop, generously supported by USAID, specifically focused on three crucial aspects: Fundraising, Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Human Resource Management. Held at the prestigious Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre, the event brought together esteemed leaders from civil society organizations (CSOs) representing Malawi and Ethiopia.

The Disaster Response session, which was attended by FACE's Projects Manager Paul Jere, covered a wide range of significant topics. These included comprehensive discussions on disaster preparedness plans, contingency plans, effective coordination during emergencies, the escalating vulnerabilities faced by communities, and the escalating frequency of disasters that affect larger populations. The workshop attendees unanimously agreed that urgent action must be taken to mitigate the impact of disasters through enhanced preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. It was evident that the current level of support is diminishing due to the magnitude and frequency of disasters, along with the ever-increasing number of individuals affected.

Furthermore, the workshop shed light on the crucial need to adopt a gender lens when addressing disasters. Women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities were identified as the most vulnerable groups, requiring tailored strategies for their protection and support.

FACE staff banging heads during one of the training sessions

The fundraising session, attended by Chikumbutso Willard the Communication and Fundraising Officer, delved into the intricacies of funding models, the review of fundraising and communication plan templates, effective branding and messaging strategies, audience segmentation techniques, expanding reach and visibility, mapping potential donors for disaster response funding, cultivating donor journeys and engagement strategies, harnessing the power of storytelling, leveraging digital platforms for fundraising, mobilizing communities, establishing communication objectives, strategies, and tactics to support fundraising efforts, developing comprehensive fundraising and communication plans, understanding marketing funnels, creating interactive dashboards, and crafting communication templates and assets. The comprehensive nature of this session equipped attendees with essential skills and knowledge to excel in their fundraising endeavors.

Meanwhile, Human Resource Manager, Elizabeth Mkambankhani Gawani actively participated in the human resource session. This session primarily focused on the critical processes involved in recruiting employees and volunteers both before and during times of disasters. Emphasizing the importance of following the recruitment processes meticulously, the session aimed to promote transparency and accountability in all aspects of disaster response and recovery efforts.

As a direct result of our participation in this transformative training, FACE proposes the implementation of a robust Human Resource Strategy, specifically designed to effectively respond to future disasters. Furthermore, the organization plans to develop a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan, revisit its existing Strategic Plan, and refine the Resource Mobilization Strategy. By undertaking these initiatives, FACE aims to significantly enhance their capacity to effectively respond to disasters and safeguard the well-being of affected communities.