Delegation Of The NLRC Visits ERCS Somali Branch

Delegation of the NLRC visits ERCS Somali Branch By Bekalu Ayalew Delegation of the Netherland Red Cross (NLRC) paid a working visit to the Somali Regional Branch of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society from November 19-20, 20014. The visiting delegation of NLRC was accompanied by Ato Abebe Kebede, Board Treasurer, W/ro Zami Yenus, Board Member, W/ro Frehiwot Worku, Secretary General and Ato Hagos Gemechu, Deputy Secretary General of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society. Officials of ERCS along members of the visiting delegation led by Mrs. Inge Brakman, President of NLRC, were welcomed by Ato Hassan Aden Hassan, Deputy Chairman of the Somali Regional Branch of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society at Jigjiga Airport. In his welcoming remark, Ato Hassan thanked the Netherland Red Cross for financing the project aimed to reduce disaster risk and build community resilience in the region where community members are highly vulnerable to different disasters caused by wind, flood and resource based conflicts. He also praised neonatal health care project that the NLRC finance it to reduce child and mother mortality in the region. The branch presented an overview of the branch activities which include among others background of the branch, project and regular activities, strength and weakness, challenges faced, opportunities and threats of the branch. Having attended the presentation, the visiting delegation raised questions related to staff and volunteer management of the branch, involvement of various offices of the regional government and other activities of the branch. W/ro Frehiwot Worku along Head of the Regional Branch gave explanations to questions raised based on the presentation. Finally, the delegation members went to visit Awbarre District to observe the progress of neonatal project which is supported by the NLRC.