Innovation and integration

The Red Cross relief and recovery operation in the Ayeyarwady Delta following cyclone Nargis in May 2008 has reached more than one million bene@iciaries.Naturally it has built on lessons learned from previous relief and recovery operations, not least the tsunami operation. However, in many areas new and innovative approaches have been tried out. Although some of these have been adapted to the local situations in the Delta, they have been so successful, that they can be replicated in other parts of the country or in other operations around the world.

High degree of involvement

“We have striven to have a very high degree of involvement from the bene@iciaries and communities in most stages of the programs , from identifying the needs and selecting the bene@iciaries to carrying out the construction and giving us feedback,” says Bernd Schell, the head of the IFRC delegation in Myanmar. “This process is more time consuming but pays more respect to local contributions and capacity. Ultimately this process has led to great results, great satisfaction and a lot of transfer of knowledge to the local communities. Just like we constantly learn a lot,” he adds.

Voices and mail boxes

Members of the assisted communities have had a chance to have their say, and if they have not been happy with the selection of bene@iciaries or activities, they have been able to complain and put forward new proposal. “One such example is from Dedaye, where the community suggested we increased our support to the landless labourers and helped them get shelter. Now 40 families have a new house with the right to build more on the land provided, “ says Bernd Schell. Another bene@it of the extensive involvement of the bene@iciaries is that many items have been produced and procured locally, involving family members and supporting the communities in more ways than one.

All in one

“Focusing on selected townships in the recovery phase and coordinating well with other national and international humanitarian organization has also provided us with a great opportunity to have an integrated approach. For examples, when Red Cross support the construction of a new school, we see if it can be designed to function as an evacuation centre as well, where students will in future learn about risks and how to mitigate it. Red Cross supports construction of water sources and latrines and organise health education in or near the schools and plants trees to create a nice environment,” says Bernd Schell.

Living there

Although neither a new nor innovative feature, the presence of local Red Cross workers and volunteers staying and working in the community has again proven to be one of the organizations strongest features. Following the exit of many other agencies, the Red Cross has been able to provide continued support in shelter, livelihood, health education and in psychosocial support to those who experienced the worst traumas and losses.