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"We need to change the way we support the critical and courageous [humanitarian relief sector]. We need to empower its organizations and people, invest in their education, conduct research that provides them with better tools and techniques, and support the development of human and technology infrastructure that will enable workers to not only conduct their complex work this time, but do it better the next." --Mark Haselkorn, from "Improving Humanitarian Relief for the Next Big Disaster" (Seattle Times, January 14, 2005)
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News and Information
April 17 2006, 12:49 PM
Key Meetings on Humanitarian Relief Held at UW
In addition to the workshop in Kenya this past June, two other key workshops occurred during 2006 at the University of Washington. On February 2-3, leaders from international universities and the NGO commmunity met to propose and develop implementation plans for joint action-learning projects on disasters and humanitarian action. This workshop, led by Sanjeev Khagram, produced four working groups and several research plans, with one project slated to take place in Nicaragua in June. The full agenda from the workshop is available. On April 24-25, humanitarian relief and development researchers and practitioners converged once again at the UW for a focused look at information and communication systems in relief work. A central component of the workshop was the delivery by Paul Currion of a recently completed assessment of ICT and information requirements in emergencies as part of the IWG's ECB4 efforts. January 4 2006, 5:49 PM
UW Alumni Magazine Features IPHR
In the December issue of Columns, the University of Washington Alumni magazine, the IPHR, the MLC Data Center, and personnel from each are featured in an article called "Masters of Disasters." The article gives an overview of the IPHR and activities following Katrina. View Archive |
The workshop on humanitarian action systems research, held in Lake Naivasha, Kenya, June 8 -10, 2006, has generated considerable enthusiasm among participants. "The workshop far exceeded my wildest expectations and indeed was quite a refreshing eye-opener for me to issues that are so live and also close to all humanity, irrespective of location," said Dr. Gregory Wanyembi of Moi University. "I would like to assure you that every thing we discussed at the workshop can as well be applied in West Africa," said Moussa Sangara, HEA Program Assistant working in Dakar, Senegal.
Here is a link to a quick executive debriefing from the workshop.
With the stated objective to Identify and develop opportunities and formalize collaboration amongst Central American MFIs and their constituencies, regional universities and humanitarian relief groups in disaster preparedness and response, and to provide microfinance institutions with tools to be more prepared to respond in the case of disaster, with the goal of strengthening disaster response at all levels, a group of 60 concerned participants met in Managua, Nicaragua, from June 19-20 under the auspices of Global Partnerships, the Marc Lindenberg Center, and REDCAMIF.
The outcomes include
- Participation was very active and people were very receptive and interested in the topic. The small work groups were productive and provided an opportunity for participants to discuss topics in depth, generated ideas for improved disaster risk management within MFIs and stimulated passionate conversation.
- Many people were particularly interested in the topic of creating a disaster response plan for their organization and expressed their intension to implement a comprehensive plan within their institutions.
- Participants gained a thorough knowledge of the national and regional disaster system and they can contribute to reducing risk within the vulnerable communities that many MFI clients reside.
- As part of the MFI workshop efforts of identifying vulnerabilities, the Northwest Response Team volunteers developed an interactive, high resolution mapping viewer of vulnerability throughout Central America. This web mapping service is primarily targeted to the MFI workshop participants and partner networks in Central America.
Read the full MFI debrief for additional discussion.
A new learning and internship opportunity is awaiting you for the Winter Quarter of 2007. In "study abroad" style, University of Washington students are invited to participate in a 10 week (quarter-long) experience in Rebuild and Recovery at "Ground Zero" on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
In a 10-week quarter long experience, UW students will live on the Gulf Coast in existing relief facilities while assisting in the Rebuild and Recovery effort and continuing to take classes to make progress toward graduation. Students will contribute to existing work orders related to the rebuilding of residential homes.
If you are interested in participating in this unique experience, please see the class website or contact Prof. Denise Wilson at denisew@u.washington.edu.
Last modified: 1/08/2007 11:17 AM