Organisation excited with communities’ adoption of disaster management skills

By Paulinah Chiyombo – Mana

Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has expressed satisfaction with European Union Human Aid (ECHO) Project for equipping learners in schools and community members in Karonga with different skills on prevention and management of disasters that may occur in their areas.

MRCS Acting Program Director, Patrick Phiri, was speaking Saturday at Kaporo Primary School in Senior Chief Mwakaboko in Karonga during an Open Day which was held as one of the activities marking the end of the project in the district.

Phiri cited construction of disaster-resilient houses by members of the community and formulation of disaster-risk management committees in schools as notable achievements the project has achieved.

“We have registered a lot of successes since the project started two years ago. Communities and schools have demonstrated that they have embraced what they have been taught through a number of activities which they have displayed today,” said Phiri.

He said was optimistic that the knowledge and skills acquired through the project would be sustained using plans developed by Karonga District Council and the local community structures.

“The knowledge and skills acquired by community members and learners will go a long way in managing and reducing the effects of disasters in the district,” he said.

Commenting on the development, Chairperson for Karonga District Council, Belliam Msukwa applauded MRCS for the project, saying it has been assisting people affected by different forms of disasters in the district.

“It is sad that the project is phasing out. It has been so helpful to all of us,” said Msukwa.

During the event, MRCS among other items donated 20 bicycles, gumboots, soap, mobile phones, ropes, stretchers and helmets to be used by communities in time of disasters.

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