The Russian Red Cross (RRC) will hold for the first time in Russia an IMPACT training course to prepare staff and volunteers to work for international humanitarian missions of various kinds. About 30 experts from 11 Russian-speaking National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will take part in the training.
The event will be held in the Moscow region from August 14 to 18. IMPACT (International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion) is a course designed to prepare staff of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for work in an international context. After completing the course, delegates will be added to the Movement’s general database and they may be invited to work in international missions lasting from three months to two years. The course focuses on the role of a delegate working with the host National Society and other Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners to support the population.
“A new humanitarian crisis has once again highlighted the importance of ongoing training of new personnel, training of existing experts and improving joint response plans with the Movement. The past year has shown a shortage of well-trained Russian-speaking delegates who can be involved in international missions. Therefore, we decided to organize a course to help build capacity to respond to disasters and support those in need of each National Society, both locally and internationally,” said Pavel Savchuk, the RRC President. - IMPACT course will help participants develop skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively and efficiently to disasters and crises, especially in cross-cultural and international settings. By completing it, staff and volunteers will be better equipped to provide life-saving assistance to people affected by various disasters around the world.”
Specialists from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Belarus, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will be able to attend training in Moscow.
The course will provide participants with knowledge of different contexts in which components of the Movement work together, as well as the tools available to respond to different situations. During the course, participants will practice realities of working as International Red Cross and Red Crescent delegates through a variety of practical examples and scenarios.
To prepare participants for working in international and cross-cultural contexts, “the course will include modules on cultural awareness and sensitivity, communication skills and security management,” the RRC President said.
“Participants will learn cultural norms and practices of the country they will be working in and how to adapt their communication style to be more effective in their care,” he said.
Also, the training will include practical exercises that simulate disaster, humanitarian crisis or emergency response operations.
“In international missions, a person has to take into account many nuances, even if they seem insignificant at first glance. Therefore, during the training, participants will be able to organize an aid camp, evaluate people's needs, properly manage logistics and communications, and coordinate activities with local authorities and other organizations. At the end of the course, due to the detailed theoretical basis and simulation training, delegates will be able to practice the first humanitarian mission,”- said Pavel Savchuk.
Colleagues from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will help the Russian Red Cross prepare and conduct the training course.
