PRCS to boost community volunteerism to minimize disaster risks

ISLAMABAD April 8, 2012: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is focusing on community volunteerism to minimize the risk of disasters, timely and proper services essential not only for the survival of the affected people by any disaster but also to mitigate their unwanted hardships.

This was stated by PRCS Chairman Maj General (retd) Ch Muhammad Nawaz while addressing the participants of 4th National Youth &Volunteer Camp which is being attended by the male and female volunteers from all the provinces and regions across Pakistan for sharing experiences, exchange ideas and opinions and discusses cultural perspectives.

The theme of this year's camp is "Promotion of Social Inclusion, Safe Living and Culture of Non-Violence and Peace".

General Nawaz said the volunteers are considered as catalysts of change for any society anywhere in the world. Therefore, at the national level we should create an enabling environment to foster volunteerism in the country. They should be provided opportunities to contribute to a culture of humanity and non-violence and to promote the fundamental principles of the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement in all segments of the society.

He said the PRCS in the last few years have been laying special emphasis in enlarging its volunteer base to enhance the scope of service provided to the needy. “Today, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society is proud to have more than 222,000 volunteers attached to its programmes in various forms and every year we are recruiting and training the volunteers, drawn from all segments of society, particularly youth, to bring new skills, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the activities of the society,” he added.

He said volunteers are given an opportunity to learn and develop their skill through additional responsibilities. It is in this connection PRCS is organizing National Youth and Volunteer camp and volunteers from all over Pakistan participated with strong representation of female volunteers, even from remote areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA, Balochistan and AJ&K.

He said the PRCS volunteers are engaged in a wide-range of activities, to include emergency services, rescue and relief operations in natural and man-induced disasters, youth programs, blood donor recruitment, community based disaster preparedness, community based first aid, fund raising & in Re-establishing Family Links.

PRCS Secretary General Brig Dr Mahboob Sardar speaking on the occasion said that the Red Crescent since its inception has emerged as the leading humanitarian organization with an

impressive track of services towards the cause of humanity during the periods of turmoil and conflicts throughout our history.

He said during disasters of earthquake of October 2005, floods of July 2007 in Sindh and Baluchistan and recent 2008 Earthquake in Baluchistan, Internally Displaced Persons Crisis, Floods 2010 and Sindh Floods 2011, the Pakistan Red Crescent Staff and volunteers, with the support of Movement Partners were first to reach the disaster areas and have worked tirelessly to provide relief assistance and medical care to millions of people and to continue in this area when others have pulled out.

He said that Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is accepted to mobilize large number of youth volunteers, coordinate activities of youth - involving organizations, promote good volunteer management practices and advocate value of volunteerism in Pakistan. The PRCS focuses on successful infusion of spirit of selfless service to needy people without discrimination of class, color and creed through youth volunteers affiliated to its programs and activities.

He hoped that this event will give an opportunity to youth to enhance their awareness; share experiences to contribute positively towards sustainable development and build their capacity thus make the world an abode of peace, tranquility and harmony for the people of the world to live together.

The volunteers will be given training and different sessions will be held on disaster preparedness and emergency response.

For more details please contact:

Mr. Inayat Kaleem, Deputy Director Communication and Hv