Developing a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Education Sector – 1st National Workshop.

Last week was a very busy time with the Health Sector workshop on the 9th (see post below) and then the Education Sector workshop on the 11th. The two projects are at comparable stages of implementation and this second workshop was to enable stakeholders to review, refine and finalise the sectoral assessment undertaken by National Consultant Dr. Marie-Therese Purvis.

The workshop was well attended by head teachers and officials from the Department of Education and key responder agencies such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service. The meeting engendered considerable discussion and productive exchange of views with the assessment being widely endorsed.

The meeting then had the opportunity to help design the format and identify the content for Emergency/Disaster Standard Operational Procedure Manuals which will form part of the final outputs of the Project along with the Sectoral Contingency Plan.

The Nation newspaper printed the below article on the workshop in its 15th March edition. Simply click on the photo below to enlarge and read the article.

1st National Stakeholder Workshop to Develop a Health Sector Disaster Contingency Plan.

The 1st health sector stakeholder workshop was held at the Red Cross Society Seychelles (RCSS) HQ Providence on the 9th March. The International Consultant Dr Matamba had been in Seychelles for the previous 3 ½ weeks undertaking an assessment of the health sector facilities and capacity on the three main populated islands, ably assisted by the RCSS who have been employed as Local Consultant on the project. The workshop was to review, refine and approve the assessment findings and recommendations. The assessment will provide the basis to elaborate the sectoral disaster contingency plan.

The Nation newspaper reported on the meeting and its article (from the Nation of Saturday 12th March) can be read by clicking on the image below:

Praslin and La Digue Research Trip for Education Sector Consultancy

Under the “Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response” project the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management have contracted Dr. Marie-Therese Purvis to develop Seychelles’ “Disaster Contingency Plan for the Education Sector”.

Amongst a series of activities to be undertaken for this consultancy, is a research on our three main islands; Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. This research comprises of a questionnaire formulated to assess the opinions and knowledge of teachers and disaster managers on the potential hazards and school preparedness in the event of a disaster. After the questionnaire, a tour around the school grounds is carried out to inspect strengths and weaknesses pertaining to the disaster cycle;
o Preparedness
o Prevention
o Response
o Recovery

On the 27th and 28th of January, I had the privilege of accompanying Dr. Purvis on her trip to both Praslin and La Digue respectively.

During those two days, the following schools were visited:
1. Anse Kerlan Primary School
2. Grand Anse Primary School and Crèche
3. Vijay International School
4. Baie St. Anne Primary School
5. Grand Anse Secondary School
6. La Digue School (Primary and Secondary)
In every school visited on both Praslin and La Digue, one thing was particularly evident; everyone we spoke to seemed enthusiastic and willing to do what it takes to ameliorate disaster risk reduction in their schools.

The following is a list of prominent flaws/ weaknesses identified in most schools visited:
- Lack of awareness/ knowledge amongst educators and staff regarding disaster risk reduction
- Lack of funds to purchase necessary safety equipment and/ or maintenance of equipment
- Adequate preparedness but for only one type of disaster (usually Fire)
Although all schools have their strengths and weaknesses, it is worthy to commend the schools that have made strong and proper attempts recognizing the importance of disaster preparedness. Exemplary practices being implemented are:
- Assigned disaster manager
- Strategically placed smoke detectors and smoke alarms situated at key areas (e.g. Kitchen and laboratories) in the school
- Evacuation plans
- Fire blankets
- Maintained Fire hose reels and fire extinguishers
- Fire exit signs
- Designated fire assembly points
- Fire practice drills biannually
Up until now, Seychelles does not have a standard in terms of disaster preparedness in schools and because of this; schools have had to rely on accumulated experiences in order to set their own safety standards.

The first of two workshops will be held on the 11th of March 2011, where the results of this research and quantitative data collected will be discussed and analysed by stakeholders. The objective of this workshop is to present, discuss and finalise an education sector disaster preparedness assessment as the first stage in the development of the sector contingency plan (Contributed by Ms D. Sabino, Project Officer).

Key rescue agencies get disaster response equipment

The below article was was printed in the Nation Newspaper of Monday 21st of February. It can also be read with photo at the following site: http://www.nation.sc

Three first responders during an emergency received disaster response equipment recently from the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM).

The Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Seychelles Police and Coast Guard got their equipment during a ceremony at the Department of Environment’s headquarters in the National Botanical Gardens.

The Education Department also received equipment to help it better carry out its emergency response protocols.

Present were the environment principal secretary Didier Dogley and Alain Decomarmond, Director General of Policy, Planning and Risk Management. Paul Labaleine, Director General of Operations, Education and Communication for the DRDM, was also there.

The Fire and Rescue Services Agency received a wide range of equipment including: two portable generators and cables, two water pumps and a chemical protective suit. The agency also received a chainsaw for cutting steel and concrete, loudspeakers and various lighting sets, including spotlights, so work at emergency sites can continue at night.

The police received protective equipment including chemical splash goggles, gas masks and 100 sets of disposable protective clothing. They also got megaphones, spotlights, torches and two sets of night vision goggles.

The coast guard received six iridium satellite phones and four CAPSAT messengers with recharging solar arrays.

The Department of Education received 36 hand-operated sirens and 36 megaphones.

The equipment was all set out for guests to view and inspect, and they could ask questions about its various applications.

Key first responders also got the chance to take part in a workshop where they presented their core needs and equipment shortfalls. All the partners discussed these and identified the core cross-cutting needs to be used to develop a prioritised procurement plan for the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project.

DRDM seeks to identify national risk and disaster management equipment needs.

DRDM held a meeting of key first responder agencies on the 15th of February at the new offices of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Police Force, Coastguard, Fire Brigade, the Environmental Engineering and Water Section (EEWS) and of course DRDM itself.

The meeting had three main objectives:
• To identify the core cross-cutting needs of Key 1st responder agencies.
• Identify priority listing within project context and budget.
• Identify national priority listing for DRR equipment purchase.

After a brief introduction to the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project (NDPRP) and the objectives of the meeting in that context, each agency gave a brief presentation on their priority equipment needs followed by an opportunity for those present to enquire as to the nature and specifics of the desired items.

Meeting attendees then discussed and sought to identify the core cross-cutting equipment needs this is particularly important as it offers the best return for funds invested in the context of the NDPRP. Once certain items were identified it was important to ascertain whether one model of the equipment type met the needs of the different agencies because the potential, buying in bulk and the standardising of equipment offers, in terms of lowering unit cost and enhancing equipment utility and maintenance respectively is significant.

Interestingly some of the most pressing cross-cutting needs identified pertained to quite basic equipment such as head torches, protective helmets and chemical protection suits giving insight to future budget planning priorities. Other items in high demand include the so-called “rugged” laptops designed for use in harsh environments and mobile/field scenarios and night vision goggles.

Importantly agencies still very much have in mind the “Plan B” approach which is essential in disaster or rough field scenarios. There is a natural temptation in this digital and gadget-filled world to seek out the latest technical solution to DRR issues. In a disaster scenario however one has to assume that normal utility provision and technical support may not be available. In this situation low-tech capacity and solutions are required and interestingly one of the most sought after items of kit was water proof note books. Participants also expressed interest in the acquisition of a number of standard field packs that would provide the necessary wherewithal for personnel to work in the field. The climate and/or terrain in Seychelles can be very physically testing – when responding to disasters such as forest fires or landslides. All agencies agreed a standard kit with items such as a machete, hatchet, length of rope, first aid kit, “camel pack”, hard rations, handheld GPS etc... would be very useful. With consultation the contents of these packs could be developed to suit the main terrestrial field activities and be stored and maintained in a central location for multi-service access and use as required.

The findings of the stakeholder workshop will now be utilised to develop an equipment procurement plan for the NDPRP for submission to the World Bank for approval, whilst the broader national priority equipment listing will assist in future planning and liaison with donors and partners.

Local Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan

CONSULTANCY

The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.

Local Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan

The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management in the Department of Environment are seeking applications to fulfil the role of Local Consultant and undertake the following works in partnership with and support of an International Consultant:

• Undertake a risk and disaster preparedness assessment of the Seychelles Industrial Sector at systemic and industrial estate level.

• Develop, through stakeholder consultation, a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Industrial Sector.



Skills/Experience/Qualifications.

Applicants should have:

• A University degree in Industrial management, environmental management, engineering, Strategic Planning or related field.
• At least 5 years experience working in the Seychelles Industrial sector.
• Experience in strategic planning and workshop facilitation,
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.



Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.

Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:

The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
Suite 3, Block B,
Global Village Building,
Mont Fleuri, Seychelles.
Telephone: 670470 Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc

Closing Date for Applications: 28th February 2011

Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan

CONSULTANCY

The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.

Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan

The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management in the Department of Environment are seeking applications to fulfil the role of International Consultant and undertake the following works in partnership with and supported by a Local Consultant:

• Undertake a risk and disaster preparedness assessment of the Seychelles Industrial Sector at systemic and industrial estate level.

• Develop, through stakeholder consultation, a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Industrial Sector.



Skills/Experience/Qualifications.

Applicants should have:

• Higher degree in Industrial management, environmental management, engineering or other pertinent field.
• At least 10 years experience in Industrial governance preferably with an international or regional agency.
• Experience in industrial strategic planning.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.


Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.

Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:

The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
Suite 3, Block B,
Global Village Building,
Mont Fleuri, Seychelles.
Telephone: 670400 Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc

Closing Date for Applications: 28th February 2011

New National Disaster Management Policy Approved

The National Assembly recently discussed and approved the Seychelles National Disaster Management Policy: Building the Resilience of Country and Communities to Disaster. The policy following approval by the Cabinet of Ministers was presented to the National Assembly by Minister Morgan on the 23rd of November 2010.


Increasing development and the trends of global climate change coupled with the constraints and vulnerabilities inherent in being an isolated small island archipelago dictate that the building of resilience to disaster at community, district and national level in Seychelles is an increasingly important component of the national pursuit of sustainable development.

The Government of Seychelles, with the assistance of the World Bank, has therefore developed this national policy to meet the national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) scenario in line with the United Nations framework as set out in the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).

The policy sets out a Mission and five primary objectives

Mission Statement

“To establish and continually review and improve capacities, mechanisms and procedures to enable the optimal reduction of disaster risk and vulnerability in the context of the people of Seychelles, their security, health and socio-economic well being”.

Objectives

1). Provide a strong institutional basis for the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction at local and national levels.
2). Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
3). Develop a culture of safety and resilience at all levels through the targeted and effective dissemination of information.
4). Reduce underlying risk factors.
5). Enable effective response capacities by strengthening disaster preparedness at all levels.



This policy is intended to provide the parameters for the subsequent development of detailed action plans, procedures and protocols to address DRR needs in the various sectors and scenarios present in Seychelles. The Policy is to be reviewed as circumstances may require but regardless not less than every 5 years.