IFRC Organizes A Workshop On 2011-2013 Drought Appeal

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent organized a lessons learned workshop from November 21-22, 2013 at the Ethiopian Red Cross (ERCS) Training Center. The two- days workshop, which attracted more than 30 participants drawn from ERCS Headquarters, Oromia, Moyalle, Jinka, Afar and Guji Branches, was aimed at reflecting on the drought appeal 2011-2013 operation and identifying a plan of action for the future. While officially opening the workshop, W/o Frehiwot Worku, Secretary General of ERCS, said the workshop is significant for ERCS as it enables the Society to improve weaknesses and further strengthen its strengths observed during Appeal 2011 Drought Operation. She also urged participants of the workshop to openly deliberate on weaknesses, strengths and challenges seen during drought operation and identify keys lessons that ERCS should draw from this operation. In her welcoming remark, Mrs. Jill Celments, IFRC Country Representative in Ethiopia said the workshop was important to have a high level of participation in order to draw out different perspectives and collectively identify lessons learned. She also indicated that it was also a critical component of IFRCs and ERCSs joint learning and offered a unique opportunity for ERCS staff to come together to share experiences and identify a path forward. Participants deliberated on the weaknesses and strengths of the ERCS and threats and opportunities that the Society has. Finally, they forwarded their recommendations. The workshop was facilitated by Mrs. Gisela Yugrot who is Disaster Management African Delegate.