During emergency operations PIROI mainly responds by providing water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), and emergency shelters. WASH covers the issue of access to water during emergencies, whether it be the production and distribution of safe drinking water, or sanitation, hygiene promotion, and solid waste management.
In order to conduct these activities successfully in the field, PIROI relies on an active network of specialised volunteers, trained in humanitarian techniques at various workshops that combine theory and practice.
Following on from the success of the 2017 training course, PIROI once again partnered with Aquassistance* to further the skills of its network of WASH-specialised volunteers in Mayotte and Reunion. This new course took place in Mayotte from 5 to 7 July.
In total 16 people were trained in how to use the water treatment units stored in PIROI’s warehouses. The course took place over three days and had a twofold focus:
- Theoretical training revised the basics about water production in emergencies;
- Practical training consisted of an exercise to assemble, start operating, and dismantle water treatment lines.
This type of workshop has several aims. Firstly it strengthens the capacities of local stakeholders in technical water treatment during emergencies. It is also an opportunity for the Red Cross to recruit new specialised volunteers and to identify team members who could benefit from additional training before joining regional or international Surge or ERU teams and being deployed in the field during emergencies.
*Aquassistance is an aid organisation of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Group staff who volunteer to bring assistance to populations in need, either on the ground or via remote access, in the sectors of water, sanitation, and waste management. This cooperative project is part of the capacity-building response strategy of PIROI programme members.
