Malawi: Youth for Development Productivity (YODEP trained community and district disaster risk management committees. The aim of the training programme was to make them knowledgeable about search and rescue which are important aspects in disaster response.
The local youth organisation based in Zomba organized thee two days training for the people of the country. The two day programme formally opened on Thursday and will conclude on Friday According to YODEP Programmes Manager, Joy Mwandama the country is expected to experience heavy rainfall.
In light of these reports for the season of 2024-25 the organisation believes that it is necessary to empower district and community disaster structures with search and rescue skills.
Mwandama believes that once district and community structures have access and training of necessary knowledge and skills that they can take the required steps during search and rescue missions.
“Obviously we expect floods and other forms of disasters in Zomba and it is therefore important that our teams are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills,” he said.
Mwandama said that the Youth for Development Productivity YODEP are hoping that the training will be of great impact to communities of Zomba. Youngsters from all over the district have expressed their willingness to receive this training
Members of the District Disaster Risk Management Committee, Area Disaster Risk Management Committee and Village Risk Management Committee are some of the notable participants in the programme.
Violet Jimu, who serves as the Zomba District Disaster Risk Management Officer, believes that the training programme is very important. This is especially true in light of the fact that authorities are projecting a heavy rain season.
The district is already preparing for the various disasters that they may face.
Jimu said capacity building on disaster is crucial and appreciated YODEP for the orientation, saying it will enhance the capacity of disaster structures.
During the training, participants were taking through topics like fire-fighting, survival skills, search and rescue techniques.
The training also involved disaster structures from Neno District who are also beneficiaries of the localised project with support from the Save the Children.