How to do VCA? - International Federation of Red Cross and Red ...

How to do a VCA 17Box 2A learning organization:the Syrian Arab Red CrescentIn 2000, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent was involved in a VCA-likeassessment that used participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) tools in 13 ofits branches nationwide. In the aftermath of the 1999 earthquakes, theNational Society was worried about the possible effects of a disasterin north-western Syria – an area which shares the same fault line.Focus groups and interviews conducted with management, staff andvolunteers around the country identified hazards and risks other thanan earthquake, which were of a greater priority to local people. Theseincluded lack of water, pollution and various health issues.The National Society came to the conclusion that its volunteers couldhelp in mitigating both everyday problems, as well as those associatedwith sudden-onset disasters. In partnership with the Ministry of Healthand Civil Defence, they began training volunteers in integrated healthand disaster preparedness activities.As a result, Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers became involved in anumber of health and disaster preparedness projects, such as cleaning-upthe river in Damascus and organizing local awareness campaigns toencourage people to use garbage collection points (as a way of dealingwith pollution).Furthermore, the trained volunteers from Syrian Arab Red Crescentbranches in Hama and Idlib were put to the test in 2001, when theZaizon dam collapsed. They were able to respond promptly, providingaffected people with first aid, health care, relief and food aid, as well ascarrying out a rapid assessment and managing a temporary camp.Local government agencies praised their role and a post-disaster reviewlead to changes in Syrian Arab Red Crescent’s disaster management.These activities provide a good example of how community assessmentcan lead to actions that address not only people’s day-to-day priorities,but also lead to preparedness in responding to natural disasters.(See the International Federation’s case study: Preparedness for response to future disaster risk reduction ).