www.ifrc.org Saving lives, changing minds.

VOICES #08

February, 2014

p2. Are aid agencies obsolete in the technological age? • IFRC | p4. Marlon Gonzalez saves girl in San Pedro • Belize Red Cross

| p6. Beneficiary Communication Boot Camp | p8. Surveys using mobile phones in El Salvador • Salvadorean Red Cross | p9. Innovating ways to reach people • Guatemalan Red Cross | p10. 1st use of smart phones for surveys • Belize Red Cross | p14. Virtual distance learning experiencies • Bolivian Red Cross | p15. Using new technologies in training • Venezuelan Red

Cross | p16. Use of technology in the Uruguayan Red Cross • Uruguayan Red Cross | p17. Costa Rican people learned about the Word Disasters Report 2013 • Costa Rican Red Cross | p19. Using Technology Teaching Red Cross Principles and Values • Ecuadorian Red Cross | p21. Red Cross Apps • American Red Cross | p23. Federation-wide Reporting • IFRC | p25. We are live! “Web streaming” from a humanitarian context • IFRC | p27. The Gift of Illumination. Solar Lantern Project • Trinidad &

Tobago Red Cross | p29. From minutes to seconds: How technology and innovation are revolutionizing aid delivery • IFRC

OF THE AMERICAS

2 /Voices of the Americas N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

ContactInformationCommunications UnitAmericas Zone OfficePanamaTel. (507) 317-3050www.cruzroja.orgTwitter: @IFRC_es

For more information, or tosuggest an item for a futureissue, please e-mail:enrique.guevara@ifrc.orgdiana.arroyo@ifrc.org

We would like to thank all of the National Societies and Partner National Societies that have con-tributed to this issue.

Opinion pieceAre aid agencies obsolete in the technological age?By Bekele Geleta, Secretary General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

We’ve all heard how aid agencies are supposedly failing to deliver in…Haiti, Congo or wherever the latest disaster or war is happening. What if new technology – like social media, drones and artificial intelligence – could put you in charge of delivering aid, direct from your armchair?

Imagine the next disaster. Rather than turning on CNN, we turn to social media to hear directly from those affected. Japanese twitter accounts generated 2,000 tweets per second after the 2011 earthquake, so what’s to stop people directly soliciting our help this way in the future?

If the need is actual goods, then the ‘humanitarian drone’ offers a range of possibilities, from relief drops to search and rescue. MONUSCO, the UN’s peacekeeping mission in the Congo, is already using drones for surveillance.

Deciding who to help is challenging. During Hurricane Sandy 20 million tweets were posted, but artificial intelligence programs can search through these for us, finding the most important information. Sentiment analysis software can even gauge the emotional state of a nation based on the tone of their social media posts.

It’s not even just traditional aid workers who help in emergencies anymore. Online volunteers, based all over the world, now regularly get called in to manage crisis maps during disasters. After Sandy, the ‘Jointly’ app hooked up those in need, with other local people who had the skills or resources to help them, reducing the need for outside help.

So technology clearly has the power to turn us all into aid workers, but what are the consequences of getting rid of the aid agency middlemen and -women?

The 2013 issue of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ World Disasters Report (#WDR2013, www.ifrc.org/wdr2013) argues that aid agencies deliver much more than humanitarian aid; they also promote and engage people with humanitarian values. These values – humanity, impartiality and neutrality – ensure aid is delivered in line with strict principles and guidelines. Namely that aid is about alleviating human suffering and protecting dignity; aid should be based on need, not religion, race or political opinion; and that aid agencies and other actors will not pick sides in a conflict.

So what happens to these values if technology replaces aid agencies? Can a computer make better (ethical) decisions than a human? Can we be accountable to people we’ve never met? Is it right to only speak digitally, when people prefer face-to-face? Does a drone respect privacy? Can an anonymous, digital volunteer be held responsible for their actions?

Social media, in particular, can pose a risk to humanitarian values.

Firstly, there are millions of people who aren’t online – only six per cent of people in low-income countries use the internet. Just as face-to-face assessments insist aid staff speak to vulnerable groups – children, women, elderly – an assessment of needs based on social media, and consequent decisions on where aid goes, must not ignore those without a digital voice.

Cover Photo: A member of the Peruvian Red Cross uploads information of a person affected by the low temperatures in Puno, using the new Open Data Kit (ODK) System.By Mateo ManfredoRead the document (spanish)

Secondly, social media is vulnerable to manipulation. Anyone, without revealing their identity or motive, can post information, start rumors or flood the system with misinformation. In Syria, both sides are using You Tube to gain support for their cause. In complex situations a ‘neutrality lens’ must be used to assess the information taken from social media.

Thirdly, social media can pose a physical risk to personal safety. When Mexican citizens began tracking drug cartel activity online, they were murdered and their bodies dumped in public places as a warning to others. If we solicit information on social media we must be aware of the wider context and the potential danger people are putting themselves in.

Finally, while people selling their needs on You Tube like a macabre disaster reality show is clearly unethical, social media does help some disasters to get more attention, and that can unfairly influence where funding and support is sent. In a report last year, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies found that nine out often disasters they respond to are ‘silent disasters’, that don’t generate headlines, receive donations or trend on twitter. Last year a drought in East Africa affected eight million people – two million more than Typhoon Bopha. It might not have made the headlines, but the suffering of those affected was not any less valid or terrible.

So do we turn our back on technology because of the risk to humanitarian values? Or should we embrace it, because of the potential to make aid more open, accountable and effective? The answers lies somewhere in between - what matters is not technology, but how we use it to improve lives. And this improvement will only come if we develop best practice guidelines, rigorously test and evaluate the technology to ensure we adopt the right ones and we put policies in place to mitigate the risks and unintended consequences. As this year’s World Disasters Report states, “the humanitarian imperative ‘do no harm’ does not become any less important in the network age, but more important than ever before.”

IFRC

4 /Voces de América Edición N° 7, Agosto 2013Federación Internacional de Sociedades de la Cruz Roja y de la Media Luna Roja

4 /Voices of the Americas N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Youth and VolunteeringMarlon Gonzalez saves girl in San Pedro

Belize Red Cross

Although this story is about a life being saved, it is much more than that. It is a story of true human spirit. A story of a small community coming together to make Ambergris Caye island safe and turning what could have been a tragic start to the New Year info a reason to celebrate.

This is the remarkable story of what Marlon Gonzalez did on that fateful night. Three weeks after Marlon took his first aid training he found himself in an emergency situation where he was called upon to act fast and use his new skills to save the life of 10 year old Mirna Graciela Paguada.

While preparing something to eat he heard commotion coming from his neighborhood. Marlon sprang into action to see what was going on. They were in an area of San Mateo that has limited electricity so he took his flashlight and flashed around the area. After illuminating his neighbors across the river, he noticed some kids and a mother calling for help. He splashed through the crocodile infested waters to aid the wailing family. When he reached them he was told that Mirna had swallowed a big marble and it was stuck in her throat. Her family was in a panic, not knowing what to do.

Marlon could tell by her color she was not well and after doing a few fast back blows to try and dislodge the marble, he could see the girl was becoming unresponsive. He remembered to switch from back blows and abdominal thrusts to CPR when a choking person turns blue because the heart has stopped pumping oxygenated blood. Marlon laid her on the ground and started doing chest compressions. At the same time Marlon was administering CPR on Mirna, he called for her brother Dixon to bring the dory (a small flat bottomed fishing boat), so they could get back across the water.

On the boat, Marlon kept doing compressions and as they got closer to the other side of the river, the girl started regaining her color and becoming a bit responsive. Marlon put Mirna over his shoulder and carried her across the bridge, found a taxi and got her to Dr. Dan’s office. When they arrived Dr. Dan was washing up and needed a few minutes. Marlon could tell the marble had moved (she had swallowed it) and let Mirna know she was now going to be fine. Dr. Dan came back quickly and examined her and found her to be in good condition, charged them $20 BZD for the visit and sent them on their way.

Marlon The Hero by Karen Brodie Photography

5 /Voices of the Americas N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Thanks toVictoria House Resort is to be commended for having an extremely high number of their staff in first aid training. They are regulars at the Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch classes and they are big fans of Bandage International who does an annual additional training onsite for their staff.

Shout out to the Belize Red Cross, partners and Bandage International who trained Marlon.

Props to Lara at Romantic Travel Belize for being in the right place at the right time to hear Marlon’s miraculous story and letting the San Pedro Red Cross branch know. You can read her account of the event on True Story of Heroism in San Mateo that reads like an Indiana Jones movie.

Thanks to Ambergris Today and San Pedro Sun for coming, both did great write ups and Marty Cassado who put it on AmbergrisCaye.com in the thread Victoria House Employee Saves Choking 11-Year-Old thread.

Special thanks to Karen Brodie Photography for doing a wonderful photo shoot for the Paguada family.

Acknowledgements also to Roceli Muñoz and myself (Laurie Norton of tacogirl.com) along with fellow San Pedro Belize Red Cross Volunteers Shirlee Arnould, Mike Memeo and Steve Falcone for regularly hosting/attending the First Aid classes and doing CPR fact checking.

San Pedro branch is striving to be a role model Belize Red Cross branch, as well as a leader of First Aid in Belize.

From that night on (December 31, 2013) Marlon will always be a Hero for that family and those of us who know him - we have much respect. What could have been a very heart-breaking start of 2014 for the Paguada family of five, turned out to have a very happy ending because of Marlon Gonzalez. It is remarkable to see Mirna out riding her bicycle, knowing she is still alive and has her whole life ahead of her. The events that led up to and the unfolding of Marlon’s heroic actions are proof that together we can make a difference in the lives of our community and we do truly make a great team.

Mirna Graciela Paguada by Karen Brodie PhotographyBelize Red Cross San Pedro Branch Volunteers

Marlon and the Paguada family picture by tacogirl.com

6 /Voices of the Americas N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

As a part of the global Beneficiary Communications (BC) program, the first Beneficiary Communication Boot Camp was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 14th of October. The boot camp workshop was delivered in partnership with the SLRC, ICRC and the IFRC. There were a total 85 participants from approximately 40 different National Societies from all IFRC zones globally and IFRC and ICRC representatives from Zones and Regions in attendance.

The Boot Camp was deemed a success by participants, generating active participation from the attendees on how they can move BC forward in their respective countries. A number of participants from zones and regions have voiced interest in carrying out their own Beneficiary Communications (BC) Boot Camp workshops in 2014.

Beneficiary Communication Boot Camp

“The scenarios presented by the IFRC that have a perspective of effective and efficient communication with beneficiaries clearly complement the community work performed by operative teams. Consequently, the First Camp on Communication with Beneficiaries in Sri Lanka sets the standard for comprehensive work that enhances the efforts in the field and translates into increased and better quality of life for the populations that need assistance, but most of all, ask if aid will arrive in a timely manner.”

The mysticism of work with the community is strengthened when it becomes known by other sectors of the population who maintain high levels of influence. This can promote and tends to improve the beneficiaries’ quality of life due to the magic of communication.

Communication with beneficiaries is an effective response to the distant voices that are not completely heard.

Luisa SalamancaDirector of Programmes in the Area of Relief

After the challenge of a long trip (that included me getting lost for more than an hour in the huge Dubai airport) and the time difference (12.5 hours), I arrived at my destination: Sri Lanka. I was received with such warmth that I felt that each smile was that of a sibling who was welcoming me home.

I was a short guy in a meeting of giants. Yet I had a huge desire to absorb all of the information possible that would benefit the National Society that I represent.

While the language barrier did exist, interpreters-- led by my good friend Enrique Guevara-- abounded and worked double so I wouldn’t miss a thing.

As got into the content of the workshop, it was clearly understood that the National Society should direct its actions towards what the beneficiary really needs and this is done through fluid, constant and effective communication with them.

During an emergency, aid in adequate quantities should arrive at the precise moment and with the certainty that this is really what people need.

“My first duty assignment abroad with the Belize National Society was the Boot Camp in Sri Lanka. It was an experience beyond my imagination as I was submerged into the wonderful world of the ICRC/IFRC. I am extremely appreciative to all that made my participation in the BC possible. An important workweek spent with other members of the ICRC/IFRC global village was heart-warming and informational. I feel that our comments, critiques, suggestions and contributions on the BC manual reflects a consultative and unified process which can only result in success. I feel that BC should be incorporated into all aspects of our work: planning, policies, protocols, and programs. Our National Society feels that BC is a wonderful concept and acknowledges it should be incorporated in our work. A 10 minute video production of one of our young beneficiaries is presently being contemplated for early 2014”.

Rodel Beltran PereraCommunications and M & E Officer, Belize Red CrossBelize Red Cross

A great point made by all is that do to good relationships with governments institutionalizing BC could potentially give national societies the opportunity to, in fulfilment of the auxiliary role, advocate for laws and regulations which make it compulsory for governments to provide timely, accurate, and life saving information to their citizens.

The workshop’s overall focus was to build ownership in the process by the National Society representatives. The workshop activities gave participants an understanding and introduction to BC, hands on training with BC tools, practical field experience in the form of a simulation and a consultation process to gather information to understand the needs and support necessary to assist National Societies to move Beneficiary Communications forward in their respective countries.

In our continuous discussions, we often agreed that proper communication guarantees that Red Cross actions are productive, efficient and effective.

This undoubtedly indicates a challenge and a commitment that all National Society members should take on.

As the sessions and the final exercise demonstrated: Communication with beneficiaries represents a complex but needed process that should involve all of the National Society—from the highest directors to the central pillar: the volunteers—, so that we truly can fulfil our strategy of Saving Lives, Changing Minds.

Vinicio SarazúaCommunications Coordinator, Guatemalan Red Cross

As I was in Sri Lanka on annual leave at the same time of the Beneficiary communications boot camp in October, I could attend to few sessions of the boot camp. Piloting of a Beneficiary Communication curriculum with interactive class room training and feedback sessions gave the participants an opportunity to comment on and help shape the final curriculum that is developed as a global tool. I believe in the future this tool can be used in training larger number of humanitarian professionals in the subject of beneficiary communications.

The day of National Societies discussing their needs and promoting what they are doing in their countries as well as what support they need to further develop Beneficiary Communication in their National Society and programs was very interesting. Haiti beneficiary communications team could share the plethora of experience we have gained via the almost 4 years old beneficiary communications programme in Haiti with the participants from all around the world. We enjoyed animating a very interactive session where participants were curious to know more about what we are doing in Haiti and especially about our latest innovation Interactive Voice Response system which received 1 million calls just 10 months after its launch.

Luvini RanasingheFormer Communications Coordinator IFRC Haiti Operation.

“I had never been to a Boot Camp style training or meeting before, the methodology and experience was amazing. Sharing this very special learning experience with colleagues from programmatic areas as well as communications, and moreover, a combination of IFRC, ICRC, and National Society members from more than 40 countries was especially enriching. It was particularly rewarding to work together among all these people with great experiences and insights, something which I feel allowed us to accomplish the objectives we had set out. There was, I felt, a general understanding of the benefits of engaging in BC across all programmes and services, acknowledgement that much of it is being done already and the importance of streamlining these efforts to remain on the forefront of humanitarian assistance. The Red Cross and Red Crescent movement remains in a unique position to continue leading the way in implementing new tools and approaches with a view to improving humanitarian assistance and development. What I found most inspiring was the agreement among participants that BC goes beyond just communications, it is everyone’s responsibility and it involves working in an integrated way. There was agreement that the support of National Society leadership is essential to moving BC forward and institutionalizing this approach so it continues to be improved and leveraged as an essential part of what we do.”

Enrique Jair GuevaraIFRC Communications Officer Americas Zone Office.

8 /Voices of America N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Mobile surveys help gather information for the Strengthening Community Resilience through Urban Health Project in El Salvador.

As part of the Strengthening Community Resilience through Urban Health project in the neighborhood Buenos Aires in the municipality of Mejicanos, El Salvador the Salvadorean Red Cross conducted a base line survey in the area, an activity made possible by funding from the Norwergian Red Cross and collaboration with Health and Water and Sanitation Teams of the Salvadorean Red Cross.

“We are conducting surveys in order to verify the starting point of the project; however, previous work and a diagnosis was made to check certain indicators that needed to be addressed and a survey on baselines has been developed in this regard” stated Nancy Ramírez, Project Coordinator, Strengthening Community Resilience through Urban Health in El Salvador.

The novelty of the surveys that have been completed is that their samples are no longer taken using paper and pencil, but by implementing the MAGPI mobile data tool using the “android” operating system for mobile phones; by using this method, results can be obtained faster by shortening processing times required by their analyses.

“In my opinion, I think the use of mobile phones for this purpose is an excellent idea; this makes it easier to collect the data we give them, so they take less time, which benefits us because we must deal with issues related to the household and children, plus we realize how our community is doing and what we can do to improve,” said a resident of the community.

Approximately 136 surveys were conducted using this advanced technology focused on topics such as health, dengue prevention, sexual and reproductive health, family and community interaction, sexual rights, among others. The results of the survey’s will then be presented to different stakeholders, suc as the Asosciation for Community Development (ADESCO by its Spanish acronym), municipalities, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the area.

“In addition to the benefit that this important tool represents to streamline the process of collecting and analyzing data, it also contributes to our green response. We know that, at this time, we should implement actions to provide response, and not pollution, and contribute to recycling, with the most practical method being an innovative method,” adds the Project Coordinator.

The Coordinator also explained that the surveys were created according to a previous study carried out in the community; the questions were generated based on previous results.

Project Volunteers and Technical Staff conducting house-to-house surveys. Salvadorean Red Cross

A volunteer using the MAGPI tool for mobile phones with a survey application.Salvadorean Red Cross

Salvadorean Red Cross

Salvadorean Red CrossPublic Relations and Communications Department

9 /Voices of America N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Innovating ways to reach people

Guatemalan Red Cross

Innovation and technology in the various projects and programs implemented by the Guatemalan Red Cross allow the implementation of essential elements for the development of the National Society and the training of staff and volunteers.

During 2013, the HIV Prevention Project of the Guatemalan Red Cross carried out more than 900 surveys related to HIV prevention, using the innovative “MAGPI” tool (application that can be downloaded in various mobile devices like mobile phones and tablets).

This tool consists of 69 direct questions with multiple choice answers or direct response, which are directed to a variety of people in order to obtain statistical data about HIV.

Questions are related to topics such as: • HIV forms of transmission and prevention• Proper condom use • Stigma and discrimination• Others.

“The tool allowed us to obtain information quickly, as it takes us 3 to 5 minutes, the information does not necessarily needs to be transferred from a (physical) sheet of paper to the computer... it (the mobile device) has a GPS that allows us to know where the survey was conducted; it is effective and efficient, so we hope to continue using it for our work in the field,” said Pedro Carías, HIV Prevention Project Technician of the Guatemalan Red Cross.

Guatemalan Red Cross

10 /Voices of America N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

1st use of smart phones for surveysBelize Red Cross

Access to new technologies has spurred a radical change at the Belize Red Cross who, having conducted two surveys via smart phones in 2013, now proudly claim to be the first in the country using smart phones for conducting surveys.

With the goal of leveraging the significant advantages of mobile technology, the Belize Red Cross’s Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change Project Team developed a baseline questionnaire to determine access to health services and effects of violence on youth in prisons, as well as three “hot”(precarious) neighborhoods in Belize City. The survey was able to collect 181 responses through a team of 17 youth volunteers using 8 smart phones.

Another first within this project was phone survey conducted with 16 young inmates at the Kolbe Foundation Prison in Hattieville, located some 20 miles from the city. One volunteer said, “It was so easy to use the phones, because people were more willing to respond to us. It was more like a conversation.” Survey Coordinator, Nancy Lo said that using the phones shortened the time frame it took to do one questionnaire considerably and we reached our target number of surveys in two days. Volunteers part of the Saving Lives Project Team of the Belize Red Cross also carried out a Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Study on disaster preparedness. Team members had previously attended at Training of Trainers in Trinidad and Tobago, in October 2013 on the sue of the smart phone software. Upon returning to Belize, they trained 22 volunteers to carry out the KAP in communities vulnerable to hurricanes and floods, across the country.

“It was exciting to find out that we would be using smart phones to do the survey, it was the first time I heard about it, when I received training on their use”, said Trainer, Terence Woodye.

The team volunteers of Belize and Stann Creek Districts carried out the KAP study in 14 communities using 13 phones garnering 1,355 surveys in 9 nine days.

A Stann Creek District volunteer describes using the smart phones as a survey tool as “ten times better than using pen and paper”.

“This use of technology experience has been awarding for us here at the Belize Red Cross”, says team leader, Fred Hunter Jr. “We are sure to use phones in all our surveys, assessments and studies as it saves time and money”.

Photo by Nancy Lo

Photo by Rodel Beltran Perera

Photo by Rodel Beltran Perera

http://ifrc.org/learning

13 /Voices of America N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

“Hello, I am Enrique Jair Guevara, I am here with Diana Arroyo, and it is a pleasure to greet you and participate in this workshop for communicators organized by the Bolivian Red Cross,” that was the greeting from Communications Officers from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Panama, who addressed the 23 participants to the national workshop for communicators organized by the Bolivian Red Cross via Skype.

For two hours, Jair and Diana interacted with participants on issues related to emergency communications, beneficiary communications, the importance of institutional identity, audiovisual resources and FedNet (virtual platform). Questions, queries and comments emerged quickly from the audience, creating a democratic and participatory space where the distance gap was shortened.

“It is the first time we have had the opportunity to be with you and receive important information,” noted Banetsa Montecinos, representative from the Santa Cruz Branch, when the time came to make inquiries about how to strengthen communication during emergencies and express satisfaction with using this technological means to enhance learning. Many greeted and expressed comments during a session without signal-related incidents, supported by presentations from Panama, without any problems.

This first virtual session was completed with a second connection from Geneva, Switzerland, with the Public Relations Officer of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Alexis Hebb. The methodology was different, as expressed by the National Communications Coordinator of the Bolivian Red Cross, Ana Rosa Boyán, and from the ICRC, Dafne Martos, who informed Alexis about

Bolivian Red Cross

From Panama to Bolivia:

Virtual distance learning experiences

Bolivian Red CrossBy Ana Rosa Boyán Godoy, National Communications Coordinator, Bolivian Red Cross

14 /Voices of the Americas N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

the meeting that was taking place, the objectives and topics being addressed. Alexis was greeted by the communicators, and invited them to share all their activities, informing them about the space the ICRC has to publish information on such activities.

This first experience for the Bolivian Red Cross involves thinking about redesigning its training and teaching resources and methodologies to implement the use of new technologies in on line or vitual training, which certainly requires testing and default settings that are not complicated, given the explanations, requirements, steps to follow and facilities which improve on a daily basis.

New technologies give us new resources and tools for their use in on-line or virtual training. Social networks gives us many technologies that can be incorporated to enhance learning, such as blogs, wikis, discussion forums, web conferences, Elluminate, Twitter, among others. With this, we could improve relationships with volunteers and departmental branches to achieve a virtual community that allows us to develop appropriate training materials to achieve effective distance learning.

This experience goes hand in hand with the distance-learning courses that the Bolivian Red Cross has offered the population for three years now, and which comply with the policies of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the ICRC, to have an overview of the use of different technologies within a social context, the fulfillment of the humanitarian mission and its direct and indirect implications for the community.

Get to know the Communities of Practice - FedNet

Bolivian Red Cross

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Using new technologies in training

In 2013, the Venezuelan Red Cross has launched an innovative modernization process of its internal structure, which incorporates updating programs, structures and processes, including training for Volunteers and using current technological resources.

This process had the full political support of the National Society Governance and has had the participation of the entire management group (Program Directors at national and branch levels) and of different branch Presidents, which represents approximately 5% of all volunteers.

In every meeting, the topic of general and specific training of volunteers has been discussed as a requirement for better quality and effectiveness/efficiency in offering services to the community, presenting the opportunity offered by the platform. As part of this process, the National Society decided to link participation in meetings with a prerequisite: update of training of participants in at least one of the 4 basic courses, through the online learning platform (emphasizing WORC –the world of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and Volunteerism).

This strategy was proven correct since the level of participation and the quality of meeting conversations was satisfactory, discussing in detail technical and ethical subjects, as result of greater knowledge and proactive participation in future planning.

In order to disseminate this strategy, social networks (Facebook and Twitter) have been used as tools of internal and external dissemination of training opportunities, and of comments and opinions. This strategic decision was made considering the characteristics of the National Society (51% of the volunteers are part of the Youth); the result was a “viral” effect in disseminating courses and using social networks as a means of internal communication.

The same social networks of the National Society, the Youth Facebook page, increased its number of contacts/friends, forcing the National Society to increase the level from xxx to xxx (more than 5,000).

The charts, developed with information from the IFRC e-learning system, show that in only one year the number of users has quintupled, and that in less than 3 months the number of users has doubled. More detailed and broken down data give accurate information on interest and contingency of when users use the platform (for example, 3 courses per user). By the end of 2013, we expect to publish a full case study on the basis of the year.

Definitely, new technologies and the opportunity of “home” training for volunteers, wherever they are and at any moment, was a winner for the Venezuelan Red Cross.

Venezuelan Red CrossBy Michele Detomaso, IFRC

16 /Voices of America N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Use of technology in the Uruguayan Red CrossUruguayan Red Cross

During 2013, the Uruguayan Red Cross has had the privilege of participating in various training events organized by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which have raised awareness of the need to incorporate the use of technology and promote innovation in humanitarian actions. Acquired knowledge has been disseminated among all members of the institution; for example, by conducting workshops. Such is the case of the workshop on emergency communications developed by the Risk Management Department in August (see photo).

Likewise, authorities, officials and volunteers from the National Society regularly access the information and materials provided by the International Federation, the International Committee and other National Societies, by sending e-mails, the broadcast of links, the use of social networks and publications on the official website of the Uruguayan Red Cross. This is possible thanks to progress in access to new information technologies and communication, especially due to the full coverage of internet access, which allows us to communicate with an ever increasing number of people.

In particular, it is noteworthy that since the Uruguayan literacy rate is high, the use of mobile phones and mobile applications has become popular in all social strata, even in the most vulnerable ones. In this line, the National Society is in a planning stage, in order to take action with phone companies this year and adopt applications that enable an improvement in the quality of institutional work at community level. In this way, it seeks to respond in a timely and effective manner, by pacing rapid technological changes and innovation, and reaffirming the commitment to the community.

Workshop on Emergency Communications, Uruguayan Red Cross Headquarters, August 2013.

17 /Voices of America N° 8, February 2014International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Costa Ricans learned about the Word Disasters Report 2013

Costa Rican Red Cross

By the end of 2013, the Costa Rican Red Cross met with different representatives from first response and risk management institutions, as well as Red Cross volunteers, to disseminate the 2013 World Disasters Report whichc focuses on technology and the future of humanitarian action.

More than 50 guests attended the presentation held for the second time in the country, thanks to the Association of Journalists (Colegio de Periodistas) who provided the facilities to bring together representatives of the Red Cross, journalists, National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response, communications officers of state institutions, academics and university students.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Costa Rican Red Cross (CRC), presented the document emphazing the moderated use of technology highlighting some success stories in the country and also stating that the internet should not be the only communication tool used by the organization and its beneficiaries.

The World Disasters Report was presented by the Freddy Román Press Chief of the CRC,. “We are a country of more than four million inhabitants, and we have seen how our countryadvances and grows at the same pace of technology, leading us as an institution to design methodologies and key messages according to community needs.” He further recognized that the Red Cross, in its role as Auxiliary to the Public Authorities, plays an important role in risk management, and to think of information as a right of the people, with new technologies as an ally that when appropriately used can improve communications.

In addition, there were also the demonstration of Early Warning Systems to communities who are prone to situations of risk, exposure and analysis of those activities which the Red Cross has implemented.

The National Director of Relief and Operations of the Red Cross in Costa Rica, Guillermo Arroyo, stressed the importance of the reliability of information, verification processes and how information is delivered to the communities that have access to technology.

Guillermo Arroyo, Director of Operations of the Costa Rican Red Cross, presents the World Disaster Report to the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response, through Mr. Edgardo Acosta.

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Also, the PREVENTEC program at Universidad de Costa Rica, through Oscar Durán, Manager of Information Technology, presented the Open Data sharing model for unrestricted use of information and knowledge on risk management in Costa Rica. He stated that “New underlying models to the presentation of information on the web contemplate accessibility, transparency and reuse of data generated by risk managers. The standardization of these formats makes Open Data a new paradigm for sharing information between people in charge of information management and decision making in organizations.”

Presentation of the DIM to the Colegio de Periodistas de Costa Rica (Costa Rican School of Journalists); the launch was organized by the Office of Institutional Communications of the Red Cross.

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Using Technology Teaching Red Cross Principles and Values

Ecuadorian Red Cross

There are about 10 thousand volunteers in the Ecuadorian Red Cross. They are responsible for disseminating the Fundamental Principles and Humanitarian Values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement throughout the Territorial Network, through their activities executed within four Operational programs of the institution: Risk Management during Emergencies and Disasters, Fundamental Principles and Humanitarian Values, Community Health and Development, and Youth.

In order to support the work being done by volunteers in their different areas of intervention, universities in Ecuador were invited to participate in a contest called “Red Cross in your Heart Animation Contest” in June 2013, for the creation of an interactive tool It consisted on the creation of an interactive game in order to teach and disseminate the Institutional Doctrine, International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.

The contest was supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Ecuadorian Red Cross and the private sector. Insitutions of Higher Education that participated included: Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial, San Francisco de Quito, Politécnica Nacional and Universidad de las Américas.

The winning team belonging to the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE, for its acronym in Spanish), based in Quito, was a group made up by the following students: Felipe Burbano, Daniela Arellano, Ronny Chaguay Pablo Guapisaca, Andrea Benalcázar and Paúl Manzano.

The interactive game that won first place was called Ruta de Emergencia Ecuador Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana (Ecuador Emergency Route Ecuadorian Red Cross). The awards ceremony was held on 17 October at the opening of “150 Years of Humanitarian Action” the photo exhibition, which included 20 images of the Movement’s work around the world. The event took place in La Alameda park, in the north central area of Quito, during the celebration of the Movement’s 150 years. The winners received a 13-inch Mac Book Pro 2.5, in addition to the credits in the game.

The multimedia tool based on questions, answers and explanations on the Institutional Doctrine, Operational Safety and Introduction to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law will be used in the Provincial Boards of the Ecuadorian Red Cross to reach priority audiences in the country, such as: school and university level students, staff of the Armed Forces and National Police, as well as anyone who wishes to become a Red Cross volunteer.

The interactive game that won first place was called “Ruta de Emergencia Ecuador Cruz Roja

Ecuatoriana (Ecuador Emergency Route Ecuadorian Red Cross).”

Giorgio Negro, ICRC Head of Mission in Quito, hands a diploma to Ronny Chaguay, one of the members of the team that won the multimedia

contest: “Red Cross in the Heart.”

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Students from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, based in Quito, received diplomas and a 13-inch Mac Book 2.5 as prize.

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Red Cross Apps

Families can use the ‘Make a Plan’ feature in the apps to create their emergency plans and then share it with their loved ones.

Emergencies can happen quickly, at times giving someone only minutes to react. Planning ahead, such as downloading these apps, can help keep households safe and save lives.

It is important for households to come up with a game plan to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a disaster or an emergency. People can use the ‘Make a Plan’ feature in the apps to create their emergency plans and then share it with their family members. Red Cross apps provide other useful tools including a way to let loved ones know they are safe.

Download the Red Cross Suite of Mobile Apps:

FIRST AID APP The First Aid app is an easy way to get lifesaving first aid instruction anytime, anywhere. Features include step-by step instructions and videos for first aid scenarios, a 9-1-1 call button, as well as safety and preparedness tips for a range of conditions including severe weather and disasters.

HURRICANE APP People can download the Red Cross Hurricane App to have real-time hurricane safety information at their fingertips. They can set the app to receive weather alerts and get information on Red Cross shelter locations.

WILDFIRE APP The Red Cross Wildfire App provides the latest news from local, state and federal fire agencies in the “Wildfire News” section.

TORNADO APP The tornado app includes features like a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued.

EARTHQUAKE APP People can receive alerts and notifications when an earthquake occurs, prepare their family and home, find help and let others know they are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an earthquake-prone area or has loved ones who do.

SHELTER FINDER APP The Red Cross Shelter Finder displays open Red Cross shelters and their current population on an easy to use map interface.

American Red Cross

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TEAM RED CROSS APP The newest Red Cross app allows people to sign up to help, get an overview on basic tasks and receive notifications about Red Cross disaster volunteer opportunities in their community.

The apps feature preloaded content that gives users instant access to information – even without mobile connectivity. People can download the apps by going to the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store and searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps

Mobile apps are just a part of the many Red Cross resources available to help families create emergency plans for their household. Visit redcross.org/prepare to learn more about what you can do today to prepare for emergencies tomorrow.

In Images: Drought in the Paraguayan ChacoA smile despite allIn spite of the heat and dust, children will be children and find contentment playing with each other on the dry earth.

See the complete Photographic Report

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Since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Federation-wide reporting system has evolved into an important accountability, communication and coordination tool in large-scale emergencies. There are currently scoping missions being conducted for operations with multiple Red Cross Red Crescent Movement actors such as the Typhoon Haiyan operation in the Philippines and the Syria crisis. These experiences will help to define the applicability of Federation-wide reporting in international operations and establish procedures for setting up such a collective monitoring and reporting mechanism in future operations.

Background:

• The magnitude of human and material damage caused by the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti required the response of multiple humanitarian actors including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

• The Red Cross Red Crescent immediately responded by deploying 21 Emergency Response Units (ERUs) including field hospitals, water treatment plants, logistic bases, portable operational centres, emergency telecommunication infrastructure and sanitation supplies.

• The presence of numerous National Societies and the IFRC Secretariat created a need for a system that enabled the Red Cross Red Crescent to collect data and to collectively report on the progress of the operations through a set of common programmatic and financial indicators.

• Such a system has already been previously used during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as the sheer scale of the disaster also required the response of multiple actors and consequently the establishment of a collective accountability mechanism.

• Known as Federation-wide reporting for Haiti (FWR-H), this system enables a systematic collection of data and reporting on the collective achievements of the IFRC members in Haiti. It has also served as an important tool for coordination and as a mechanism to ensure that the standards of accountability and transparency expressed in the Federation Constitution and Strategy 2020 are being met.

Federation-wide Reporting

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Achievements:

• The collective results have been captured in four public reports which have served as important communication and advocacy tools.

• There has been a high rate of participation from National Societies involved in this operation during these reporting exercises.

• By presenting our collective resources and achievements, we can showcase the added value of partnering with the world’s largest humanitarian network.

• Thanks to this system, we know that the total collective income for the operation as of 30 September 2013 totalled CHF 1.24 billion and a total expenditure as of 30 September 2013 of CHF 973.8 million.

• With these collective resources, we have provided support to the following number of people through the interventions below:

Households with increased availability of water through the rehabilitation of water systems and/or creation of new

water sources

87,943

People reached by community-based health and first aid services

2,129,526

People trained and/or provided with necessary equipment to provide relevant

services in their communities

35,440

Community members trained in vulner-ability and capacity assessment or

community-based disaster management

7,326

Households provided with safe and improved shelter solution

43,728Clinics or hospitals newly built or rehabilitated22Schools newly built or

rehabilitated29

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We are live!“Web streaming” from a humanitarian context

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What is Web Streaming?Web streaming is the broadcasting of live events via the Internet. It is also known as “Live Streaming,” “Web Casting” or “Live Broadcast.” To put this technology into use, it is necessary to at least have a computer with an Internet connection, a webcam and a microphone. For better quality, it is recommended to have an external microphone and a video camera. Additionally, it is required to be subscribed to a live streaming software such as USTREAM TV or Youtube.

Advantages of Web streamingWeb streaming is used by private companies to broadcast their events and advertise their products, but this technology can also be applied to our humanitarian context, as it offers the following advantages:• Low costs. Each day, the costs of transportation increase and

the organization of an in-person meeting can be expensive. Web streaming involves certain costs, but these are not as high as the ones of carrying out an in-person event.

• Accessibility. Through the web, an unlimited number of people can access the information and knowledge. If only few people have access to Internet in a community, a simultaneous broadcast can be organized somewhere with an Internet connection so people can see the broadcast gathered in a group.

• Transparency. Barriers are eliminated allowing for the dissemination of something that only a limited number of participants could experience in a real way.

• Inclusion. As humanitarian organizations, we have the mandate of safeguarding the inclusion of people who are not able to move from one place to another due to lack of resources or a physical impediment.

Success stories2013 was a year of innovation in web streaming technology in the Americas Zone. Some of the events in which this technology was used were: • Haiti Learning Conference. September 18 - 19. 349 live views.• “Building Urban Resilience” Workshop. September 26 - 27. 646 live

views.• Strengthening Health Training Skills Workshop. November 18 -19.

521 live views.• Regional Consultation Workshop by DIPECHO. November 26 – 28.

942 live views.• Urban Risks Workshop, broadcasted from the NS of Bolivia.

December 3 -4. 169 live views.

One of the areas to be taken into consideration for web streaming is the objective and the agenda of the event. This technology is very useful in broadcasting regional plenary sessions and consultations that require

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the participation of people from different parts of the world. In this case, in order for people’s participation through the web to be more effective, we have also included a chat option in addition to web streaming. The chat moderator keeps people who watch the broadcast informed about the agenda of the event and broadcasting schedules, and answers any questions that may arise.

Technical aspectsThe Organizational Development, Learning and Innovation Unit offers support and technical assistance to Organizations and National Societies that wish to make live broadcasts. We offer guidance on required equipment; and virtual support during the testing stage previous to the event to guarantee optimal quality image and audio.

Also, we offer the DESAPRENDER social network so that users can watch the broadcast from this platform. One of the advantages of broadcasting through the DESAPRENDER platform is the option of including a forum and staying in contact with people who watched the broadcast, sending them event-related material to their e-mail addresses, and inviting them to other events.

Join www.desaprender.org

Second Haiti Learning Conference.IFRC

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The Gift of IlluminationSolar Lantern Project

Trinidad & Tobago Red Cross

The story being told by the School Supervisor was very familiar, how many of our nationals would be reminded of their own early school years of having to complete their home lessons by pitch oil lamp, or by candlelight. To him, nothing was more uncomfortable and real than having to get the soot out of his nostrils following a night of study by flambeau. Here was a perfect example of determination in the face of a home situation, that some would say, was not conducive to success and there he stood, smiling, a fitting model of success working within the educational system.

But let’s go back to the beginning of the story. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS’) Welfare team visits a vulnerable family to give material assistance and discovers that their four young children urgently need reading glasses. The team manages to procure the glasses and upon further enquiry learn that the children’s eyesight has deteriorated because of prolonged study by the flickering light of a kerosene lamp. The added disadvantage is that they are not always able to complete their assignments and are falling back at school.

Further research by the team showed that where there was no electricity in the home, the window of study time was severely reduced. It also became apparent that this falling back affected the children’s self - confidence and had a negative impact on their behaviours. There was also the added risk and reality of home fires.Seeing an opportunity to effect widespread improvement in the lives of children across the country, the TTRCS requested permission from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to initiate a project that would identify the number of primary school students without home electricity, this, to be able to supply solar lanterns to affected students nationwide. Permission granted, the TTRCS through the Red Cross Youth Link school system, sent out questionnaires to just two school districts of the eight educational districts, and received an overwhelming number of two hundred children in need, with six more districts to be surveyed.

The thought of being able to positively affect so many lives and futures through simply providing homes with solar lanterns, even if they had to do it one student at a time, was the driving force behind the energy of a small but determined team which also involved several of the staff at the Red Cross. They found a supply source and solicited help from anyone who would listen, and secured a solar lantern, charged by being kept in the sunlight and which would give eight hours of uninterrupted light.

The Red Cross team , children who received lanterns and their parents and school teachers.

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July 25th 2013 the TTRCS launched the Solar Lantern Project at the Brazil RC Primary School located in east Trinidad. It was a small but significant beginning to a pilot project aimed at serving thousands of children from families that either could not afford electricity or who lived in areas where there was no electrical service.

We, this small but intimate group of Red Cross personnel sat in the company of parents and children who would no longer have to stop their school work because the light of day was fading or the home lighting inadequate. An added future benefit would be to provide more reading glasses to the same target group. This was a project to improve the odds of success for these young people, and there were smiles all around the room.

The project not only has the blessings of the Ministry of Education, but the commitment of the agents of the ministry, the schools’ Red Cross Link Patrons and School Supervisors who will track the performance of these children and chart the effectiveness of the project.

Said nine year old Dave Seejagat in his carefully prepared and slowly read thank you speech on a page from his writing book, “I want to say thanks for being chosen to get a solar powered lantern from you. I will use this light at night time to do my homework and to do well in school.”

The next step is bringing other partners on board to broaden and deepen the project through a plan to approach business to become involved as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society has embarked on a year- long plan of new projects, new and strengthened partnerships and celebrations to mark their 50th Anniversary as a National Society, and this is just the beginning.

The children who inspired the Project with the TT Red Cross Director of Welfare - Kala Luthra.

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From minutes to seconds: How technology and innovation are revolutionizing aid deliveryIFRC

By now there is no doubt that technological innovation is drastically changing the way we live our lives. But this is not the only thing changing. These innovations are also changing the way we can return to living our lives after disasters.

IFRC

IFRC

As the largest humanitarian network in the world the Red Cross is constantly reviewing and analysing processes and tools for aid delivery and recovery post-disaster. National Societies are increasingly looking towards technology solutions to consistently improve their capacity to deliver quality aid in an efficient and dignifying manner.

Following the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, which resulted in one of the largest single country humanitarian operations in recent history, National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent were faced with immense challenge of delivering aid to 400,000 beneficiaries. Taking on the challenge the Mexican Red Cross worked tirelessly to create a tool increase the speed at which beneficiaries could receive aid. The result was the creation of a digital bar code scanning tool, that could be used to quickly scan and verify the beneficiary, rather than manually reviewing registration documents. The change was immediate and revolutionary says Alberto Cabrera Learning and Innovation Officer for the International Federation of the Red Cross in the Americas (IFRC), “We were able to reduce delivery time from 2 to 3 minutes per beneficiary to about 3.5 seconds on average.”

Having proved successful in Haiti, the bar code scanning tool was improved by the IFRC and used in Guatemala, following Tropical Depression 12-E which unleashed weeks of torrential rain causing landslides and flooding across the country. Once again bar code scanning was used during distributions and the results were similar, delivery times were reduced and beneficiary satisfaction significantly increased. What is more, as a result of the implementation of these tools the Guatemalan Red Cross was able to save time and money, by increasing the efficiency of their aid delivery.

The most recent use of this tool has occurred in Bolivia following floods in early 2013. Ramon Flores a Regional Intervention Team member who specializes in assisting National Societies in the implementation of these new tools was mobilized to Bolivia to support the operation and implementation of the distribution tool. Flores explains that in past operations the Bolivian Red Cross conducted distribution with lists compiled and checked manually using the beneficiaries name and identification document. Then during the day in which the distribution was scheduled to take place each person had to be looked up manually in order to receive the aid, which was a sluggish process.

Once again the resulting change was astonishing. “By using the bar code registration system the Bolivian Red Cross was able to gather 1,230 families from 30 communities in a single location, and was able to deliver aid to them in a record 29 seconds per family” says Flores. This positive change is perhaps best expressed in the reaction of two women who spoke with Flores after they had received their aid and explained that they had originally planned on being at the distribution for three hours and were pleasantly surprised when the distribution was completed after only one hour.

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What is next for digital humanitarians?It is clear that digital information made available through these and other innovations allows the Red Cross to streamline information management processes that significantly reduce distribution times. This in turn allows National Societies to save time and money, which can be used to reach more families.

In addition to improving the quality and efficiency of relief operations, these novel approaches also help ensure beneficiaries’ safety and dignity during distributions. That is to say that these innovations go beyond simply employing technology and creating new hardware and software. By improving distributions, cohesion within the community is also improved. Rather than being frustrated by long delivery times, community members use their time to help others ensuring that those most in need receive assistance first.

Technological innovations for the humanitarian sector will continue to be developed by a multitude of actors. Therefore it is especially important that the Red Cross remains a leading actor in the field of humanitarian innovation.

As a key partner of the IFRC and essential member of the Emergency Response Unit Relief Workings group, the American Red cross has expressed its interest in further developing these tools. Since early 2013, the American Red Cross and IFRC have been working together on the development of an integrated assessment, registration and distribution system which builds upon previous experience implementing these similar tools in emergency operations. The new system will also include new applications such as mobile networks and cash transfer applications.

As tools continue to be combined and streamlined Red Cross will continue to seek new and innovative solutions that will allow National Societies to increase the speed of their distribution processes, improve accountability to beneficiaries, reduce fraud and increase beneficiary satisfaction.

www.ifrc.org Saving lives, changing minds.

About our Zone OfficeThe Americas Zone Office reflects the same vision of the IFRC, namely, “toinspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarianactivities by National Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating humansuffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion ofhuman dignity and peace in the world”. It does so within the context of all theNational Societies located in the Americas.

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