ICT relief training to the benefit of humanitarian organizations from Central and South Asia
From TSF International Headquarters, February 21st, 2011
Within the framework of the International Emergency ICT Training Program 2010-2011 and in partnership with the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), TSF hold the Bangkok session to the direct benefit of 22 humanitarian organizations from Central and South Asia from 7-11 February 2011.
The first session of this program was held from 23 to 27 August 2010 in Managua for 25 humanitarian organizations from South America.
During the training, the participants learned how to use and deploy various emergency satellite equipment. They attended theoretical courses about emergency environment and telecommunications, network and telecom infrastructures as well as satellite and computer telecom equipment. They also took part in hands-on sessions and in a one-day simulation exercise. The participants acquired the skills and technical know-how required to set up, in all emergency areas, reliable and rapid internet and telecom connections. The beneficiaries can now put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the context of their organization’s activities.
Since the creation of this program, TSF has put in place key indicators to assess the efficiency of this program. This evaluation is divided into 3 parts, using different types of calculation. These indicators are collected through satisfaction forms at different levels: skills acquired, transfer of these new skills and impact of the training.
The latest results of the trainings in Managua and Bangkok revealed a very promising general satisfaction rate. For example, among 26 trainees, 15% were “extremely satisfied”, 52% “very satisfied” and 15% “satisfied”.
The results also showed that the practical sessions are relevant (82% for Managua and 84% for Bangkok).
In addition, one of the key indicators referring to the skills gained thanks to the program revealed a satisfaction rate of 82% for Managua and 84% for Bangkok.
Since the creation of this program, TSF and the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) have trained 87 humanitarian organizations in emergency telecommunications. At the end of the training, the organizations’ representatives can now also train members of their organization or local partners.
TELECOMS SANS FRONTIERES
+33 (0)5 59 84 43 60 – +33 (0)5 59 84 43 58
communication@tsfi.org
www.tsfi.org
The objective of this program is to create a network of experts in emergency telecommunications in order to increase the reactivity and efficiency of the relief workers on the ground.
The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) is a service under the direct responsibility of Commissioner Karel De Gucht.
About the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO)
Since the creation of its Humanitarian Aid Department in 1992, the European Commission has funded humanitarian aid missions that provide emergency assistance and relief to the millions of victims of natural disasters or armed conflict outside the European Union. The aid is intended to go directly to those in distress, irrespective of race, religion or political convictions. The European Union’s mandate to ECHO is also to promote the public awareness of humanitarian aid through actions carried out directly.
Through ECHO funding, some 18 million people are helped each year through 200 partners (NGOs, ICRC, and UN agencies like the UNHCR and the WFP).
The European Commission is one of the biggest sources of humanitarian aid in the world. In 2008, it provided more than € 900 million for humanitarian programs. This does not include the aid given separately by the EU’s 27 Member States. These funds made possible projects in over 70 countries, bringing goods (including essential supplies, specific foodstuffs, medical equipment, medicines and fuel) and services (including medical teams, water purification teams and logistical support).The Commission supports as well projects that increase the emergency preparedness in zones prone to natural disaster, as well as reinforcing the capacity to mitigate the consequences of catastrophes.
For more information about the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission, consult: http://ec.europa.eu/echo/index_en.htm
Télécoms Sans Frontières: the leading humanitarian NGO specialised in emergency telecommunications
About Télécoms Sans Frontières
With its 24-hour monitoring centre and relying on its operational bases in Europe, Central America and Asia, Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) crews of IT and telecoms specialists can intervene anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours. After a sudden onset disaster or conflict, they can set up in a matter of minutes a satellite-based telecoms centre offering broadband Internet, phone and fax lines. These centres enable emergency NGOs, the United Nations and local authorities to communicate right at the heart of a crisis. They also facilitate the coordination of aid efforts. In parallel, TSF runs humanitarian calling operation to offer support and assistance to affected civilians, giving them a link with the outside world from which they would be otherwise completely cut off.
Beyond emergency response, TSF is also engaged in ongoing prevention and development programs, including technology centres for local populations, and support to projects in collaboration with stakeholders from multiple sectors (health, agriculture, education…). TSF also organizes general training sessions in emergency telecommunications for other relief organizations and national disaster response agencies in order to reinforce the efficiency of humanitarian action worldwide. Emergency kits are provided to country offices, made of satellite communications and IT equipment and including power supplies, so that when commercial infrastructure is cut, offices can stay connected, report and coordinate with the central agency. These long-term education and training projects lead to positive impacts in economic development as well as capacity building of humanitarian organizations.
Since its creation in 1998, TSF deployed to 60 countries and assisted more than 570 relief organizations and hundreds of thousands of victims. TSF is partner of the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO). In 2006, TSF became a partner of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). TSF was designated “First Emergency Telecoms Responder” within the United Nations Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC).
Télécoms Sans Frontières is also a working group member of the United Nations emergency telecoms body (WGET) and a member of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).
For more information, consult: www.tsfi.org
