The regional disaster management office through the coordination of Modou Sering Joof has recently organized a day-long training for the disaster response term at the West Coast Regional Governor's Office.
The training course targeted 45 members of the team within the districts of Kombo north, Kombo central, Kombo East and South.
Speaking at the training session, the regional coordinator at the disaster management office, Mr Joof, explained that the primary aim of the workshop was to build capacity of members of the response team, by giving them an insight into what disaster issues are, how to collect information and process them.
Mr Joof added that two weeks ago, he held a meeting with his board concerning this training course for the response team, which gave its approval.
The regional office has an annual plan to guide operations for the whole year, Mr Joof explained, and used the opportunity to commend the participants for responding to the invitation to attend.
He further described the role of the participants as very important, including in mapping out the way forward in tackling disasters when they occur in our environment.
Mr. Joof went on to talk about the important role of the local communities, which are expected to give correct data information. He added that giving correct data information will give both the agent and the response members team more credit.
He said the best way to address this issue is by gathering in seminars like this one, and discussing pertinent issues that are affecting our life. Mr Joof added that this training course focused on the definition and conception of disaster, and disaster preparedness.
He added that at the end of this training session, the response teams are expected to go into the field and collect correct data on the impact of the disasters, and on the capacity of the families that are affected. He described the training as timely and relevant, and challenged the participants to utlise this training, and to filter the information down to others who are unable to attend the course.
Mr Joof also urged the response team to know their role and responsibility within the communities .
The Deputy Governor of West Coast Region, Fatou Sanneh, in her speech expressed delight for opportunity given her to make a statement on behalf of the governor.
She said the importance of this capacity building exercise cannot be overemphasized, as far as disaster is concerned.
Therefore, equipping this response team members is a step in the right direction, she continued, and also used the occasion to task the regional disaster office to continue building the capacity of the youth in a bid to able them respond effective in the event of disaster.
She added that the regional Governor's office doors are always open.
