Trainer CK Cheong sharing his personal experiences on community-based disaster response
By Caritas Malaysia
Aug 9 2023
KLUANG – Caritas Malacca Johore Diocese Office of Human Development (Caritas MJDOHD) organised a training session on disaster response at the Church of St Louis on July 19.
The primary objective of the training was to provide volunteers with basic disaster preparedness, skill, knowledge about disaster response and establishing an emergency response team. The session also included discussions on local coordination and operations in disaster-affected areas.
The Asia Crisis Response Alliance (ACRA) chairman CK Cheong, was invited to share his years of experience and knowledge and train the participants. Most of the 21 participants, from several parishes across the diocese, were volunteers involved in the Cha’ah flood response in March 2023.
During the training, participants were taught how to make good assessments to prioritise response actions and identify urgent needs. Leveraging the trainer’s extensive experience, participants’ doubts and queries were addressed and clarified effectively. Throughout the session, several questions were raised, and the trainer shared actual response experiences, providing the participants with a comprehensive understanding of potential real-life scenarios that could occur in the event of a disaster.
No one-way method can be applied as situations change every time. Volunteers need to be ready to re-design and modify response plans according to the needs or when the situation demands a change of operation method.
At the end of the session, participants shared feedback on the training received. Many benefitted in terms of knowledge and how to manage expectations. As seeds of volunteerism were planted in the participants, we hope more will offer their help and act in solidarity to respond in an emergency.
The constructive feedback created an opportunity for Caritas Malaysia to listen to the local community. Facing the reality that disasters are increasing and the severity getting worse, part of Caritas Malaysia’s midterm plans is to introduce a Segment Committee. This committee will consist of a group of experts to head various needs. One of the identified groups will be disaster response. Given the existing environmental challenges like floods, landslides, and earthquakes, Caritas Malaysia will conduct additional training sessions.
These initiatives aim to empower and educate the local community, equipping them with the necessary skills to respond effectively and take the lead in crises. Mobilising the right volunteers, resources, and equipment could significantly reduce the impact of disasters so that lives can be restored in a timely and coordinated manner. – Herald Malaysia
