Director General's Annual Report 2016 March 30Th, 2017

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

This report incorporates activities for the entire year 2016 for programs in all sectors of the National Society at the Headquarters (HQ) level. Branch reference is made strictly on the basis of HQ’s initiative and interventions at branch level. Mention is made of activities by those branches that were active and that submitted reports to HQ.

The year 2016 was not without its challenges, but there were many accomplishments worthy of being recorded and shared. The highlights of the year’s work at HQ level are as follows:

 BRC entered its 4th year of the “Resilience in the Americas” (RITA) program being implemented in 8 northern communities of Corozal and Orange Walk. Main accomplishment include:

o Economic Opportunities – partnership with La Inmaculada Credit Union, BELTRAIDE (SBDC)

o Introduction & completion of PHAST (Participatory Hygiene And Sanitation Transformation) in communities and schools and passing on the facilitation from BRC to Community Support Group members (the community).

o Conflict Management workshops for young at-risk community members, which led to strong partnerships with ITVET and the Community Policing Unit in Orange Walk.

o CSG (Community Support Group) strengthening – development of Advocacy & Marketing Plans and Community Profiles. This opened doors for collaboration and engagement of Government and stakeholders for the improvement of communities, living conditions, facilities and environment.

o Engagement of Branches, linking them with communities, stakeholders and Government partners; expanding membership, through CSG meetings and RITA transition meetings with Branch and communities.

 The NS Conflict Management program continues to be strengthened through ICRC funding to work with the most at- risk youths in Belize City – partnership with Ministry of Education’s Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP), ITVET & Community Policing as well as communities.

 First Aid Training income increased by 46% from 2015. Despite challenges with availability of Instructors, strong relationships remained intact (BEL, BTL, NEMO, Tour Guides, Ministry of Education) – led to stronger partnership with the American Red Cross and certification of 12 new First Aid Instructor countrywide. First Aid is now integrated in most programs of the NS and has been predominant at both HQ & Branch levels (San Pedro, Corozal, Stann Creek, Belize).

 Disaster Management (Preparedness, Risk Reduction and Response) was successfully tested as the NS pre-positioned each branch with relief stocks to be able to assist at least 100 families, reviewed their Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans and sprung into response mode immediately after Hurricane Earl hit Belize on August 3rd, 2016. Response is still ongoing and collaboration with NEMO has taken the form of providing payment of materials for house repairs for affected families where homes were partially destroyed.

 BRC Social Assistance continued through 2016 with feeding programs in Belmopan (35 school children), Stann Creek (25 school children) and Belize City (HQ) (78-80). In addition in Belize District 29 families affected by fire were assisted with relief items and in San Pedro 27 families.

 BRC Home Care Givers Course trained 73 new persons (68 females; 5 males) in 2016. Approximately 67 were certified. This course continues to be very attractive and in high demand despite competition from BTEC, a component of BELTRAIDE.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

Overview of: Action Plan 2016 OBJECTIVE OUTPUTS PROGRESS REPORT DISASTER MANAGEMENT 1.Community Vulnerability and Capacity 1.(a) Ongoing assessments were carried out AND RISK REDUCTION: The assessed in target areas in 8 northern communities through the RITA Belize Red Cross has an program (5 in Orange Walk; 3 in Corozal). upgraded and expanded a. Conduct Livelihood Assessments for These assessments have identified disaster management program target communities community priority needs; contributed to and is implementing a high the design and execution of interventions standard disaster management with and for the Community Support program Groups (CSG), at-risk youth and the wider community, while strengthening advocacy capacity of CSGs and partnerships/relationships with the leaders & Government sectors.

1. (b) During rapid response to Hurricane Earl on August 3rd, Staff & Volunteers conducted assessments to determine most affected areas, families and persons. This allowed for effective and efficient execution of plan of action and introduction of a Cash Transfer Program and distribution of non- food relief items, thus, meeting the dire needs of the affected communities. BRC’s response was carried out in coordination and collaboration with NEMO & the Village Councils. Corozal Branch provided First Aid service to 2 shelters (Guadalupe RC School, Corozal Church of Christ Primary School, and Corozal Town) where there were no Community Health Workers. Orange Walk Branch carried out

assessments in their jurisdiction and

distributed relief items for a short period to

7 families, or 35 persons.

2.Relief and rehabilitation stocks 2. In July, 2016 TMSU’s (containers) were prepositioned in Central Warehouse and pre-stocked to assist 100 families at all TMSUs countrywide branches with the exception of Belmopan and San Ignacio that are inactive.

2.a.Identify items approaching expiration 2.a. An exercise was carried out at the HQ level to identify expired items and have them replaced before the hurricane season.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

3.a. CDRT’s were formed, trained and 3.Establish and equip CDRTs in target areas. equipped in 2015 through the RITA program in 8 northern communities and were given refresher training in 2016.

4.Continued collaboration with NEMO and 4. BRC Disaster Management Committee other government agencies, with focus on Member, Philip Balderamos was appointed improved Shelter Preparedness. the Belize Red Cross (BRC) Focal Point for the National Shelter Management Committee under NEMO. He has participated in every Shelter Management meeting. NEMO’s updated 2016 list of Shelters was disseminated to every branch. First Aid Volunteers were prepared and on stand-by to assist in shelters as needed during Hurricane Earl.

a.Collaborate with NEMO/CEMO to provide 4.a. BRC and NEMO have been partnering Public Officers with Humanitarian for years to train CDRTs. In addition, BRC Diplomacy, PSP and First Aid training (skills) trains an average of 800 Public Servants annually.

5.Improved national communication 5. Hand held radios and base were charged, especially in emergency/disaster response. reprogrammed, tested and used during assessments in the RITA program as well as during Hurricane Earl Response.

a. Engage NEMO for use of communication BRC has the use of 1 NEMO tower. tower

6.A Well Prepared National Society with 6.a. Headquarters’ Disaster Preparedness Branches and Headquarters disaster plans and Response Plan was updated in August, updated and disseminated 2016.

6.b. Corozal Branch Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan has been updated in August, 2016. No other branch reported having updated plans. With the assistance of visiting PADRU team rapid assessments were carried out and a Plan of Action to assist 250 families at the outset was developed. A Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of US$148,844 was approved by PADRU and a Cash Transfer Program introduced. PADRU managed US$138,021 of the DREF in Cash transfers for some 335 families. Belize Red Cross was responsible for US$10,823 for immediate risk reduction of waterborne and water related diseases in affected communities. The latter was carried out in partnership with CEMO and via radio and TV promotional adverts (Krem Radio & TV, Wave Radio & TV, Love FM & TV, Channel 7 and Channel 5). PADRU reported the following:

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

The majority of the population receiving the aid through the DREF belonged to the age group between 21 and 40 years, representing more than half of the beneficiaries; the second largest group represents 34% and ages between 41 to 60 years.

5% Age groups: Gender 11% 20 or less 21 to 40

34% 51% 41 to 60 34% female 61 and older 66% male

After PADRU’s 3 weeks mission the National Society continued carrying out assessments in coordination with NEMO in the Belize Rural North and Belize City affected areas. By December 31st, a total of 1,267 households, or 5,224 persons (2,469 males; 2,755 females), were assessed in the Belize District (Belize City, Belize River Valley, Maskall, Ladyville, SandHIll, Grace Bank, Burrell Boom, Crooked Tree & Gracie Rock); Cayo District (Georgeville). Of these families 427 were headed by single parents. 615 families, or approximately 3,075 persons, received Cash Transfer to date. Other non-food items (NFI) were distributed to a total of 1,015 families.

The table below shows a breakdown of families assessed and assisted as at December 31st, 2016.

# Total # of Surveys (HH) 1267 Single Headed HH ** 427 Total # of Persons 5224 Total Males 2469 Total Females 2755 Total Pregnant 74 Total Minors (<3) 478 Total Minors (4 - 12) 1417 Total Minors (13 - 18) 912 Total (>65) 228 ASSISTED HH 615 Assessed by Location Belize City 353 Maskall 117 Ladyville 304 Burrell Boom 26 Crooked Tree 171 Other 296

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

HEALTH AND WELLNESS: To 1.Maintain Leadership in First Aid training 1. First Aid Instructors were trained on reduce morbidity and and services through updated skills and March 19th & 20th 2016 and on June 7th - mortality, through guidelines and re-development of training 10th 2016 and of a total of 20 participants, strengthening the capacity of program. 12 successful Instructors were certified. the vulnerable groups in their daily lives by enabling them to 936 Males and 815 Females (total of 1,751 address their priority primary persons) were trained and certified in First health problems Aid countrywide. This number includes 30 male and 31 female youths from the Ministry of Education’s Youth Apprenticeship Program.

a.Develop a standardize guide for delivering 1.a.The First Aid Steering Committee First Aid services. continued to train Instructors and to monitor the First Aid & CPR training program. This committee was formed in 2015 and members were represented from Stann Creek Branch, Belmopan Branch and Belize City (HQ). They reviewed the policy and ensured that it was well disseminated to all First Aid Instructors.

b. Maintain an updated database of First 1.b.A database is kept and updated weekly. Responders

2.Improved delivery of Health services and 2. Through the RITA program Participatory programs, including PHAST, HIV/AIDS and Health and Hygiene (PHAST) educational Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), sessions were provided in 8 communities in Psychosocial Support, Communicable and Corozal (Chula Vista/White Cocal, San Non-communicable diseases, and maternal Victor, Consejo) and Orange Walk (Trial and child health using Community Based Farm, Louisiana, Black Water Creek, Santa Health First Aid (CBHFA) . Cruz, San Antonio). Sexual Reproductive Health education was delivered to 16 male and 17 female youths in San Victor, San Antonio and Louisiana. During the RITA Exchange held in May, 2016 in Belize, participants distributed 200 bed nets to residents in Gungulung, Belize City and provided education on communicable diseases caused from vector borne diseases during the distribution. This was also the case during the response to Hurricane Earl, when another 100 nets were distributed.

a.Develop and distribute IEC materials on all 2.a. During the Hurricane Earl Response and health services (including the use of social as part of the DREF, BRC was responsible to media) and Conduct community awareness produce promotional material/Ads on meetings/events on Infectious Disease Vector Borne Diseases. The sum of Prevention and Control, including ZIKKA, US$10,823 was provided by PADRU. In order to accomplish this, BRC partnered with CEMO who arranged a group of young

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

Dengue, and Malaria. persons to be recorded doing the ads. The media who participated in this initiative were: Love FM & TV, Channel 5 TV, Channel 7 TV, Krem Radio & TV and Wave Radio & TV.

2.b. PHAST has been well received both in communities and in schools. This program b. Continue implementation of PHAST has been offered to the Ministry of methodology Education and BRC is advocating for it to be integrated into their Health & Family Life Education curriculum.

2.c. A proposal was submitted and approved for funding to implement a c. Community awareness on NCDs and program in Non-communicable diseases Healthy Lifestyles (using CBHFA) and maternal and child health education. Funding of US$5,000 has been received

2.d. Three cohorts of the Home Care Givers Course were held in 2016 where non- communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases) were covered. 73 persons were certified.

3. Establish a voluntary non-remunerated blood donor recruitment program. 3.a. Presently the San Pedro Branch is the only branch that implements a very active quarterly blood donor recruitment drive in San Pedro in coordination and collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The possibility of expanding the program in every branch countrywide is being explored. Standard Operating Procedures and a Policy are being developed and a data base has been established. Additionally, Club 25, a youth led and implemented initiative in promoting blood donations will be reintroduced in 2017. Ministry of Health has been consulted and meetings arranged to discuss more involvement by the BRC in the Blood Collection process as well.

Psychosocial Support (PSP) is an area that the Belize Red Cross plans to formalize as a stand- alone program. Communication with the Ministry of Education’s Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) Coordinator, Kevin Cadle, has confirmed that families

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017 affected by violence are in dire need of PSP. Through a project entitled “Addressing the Needs of Families Affected by Violence” funded by the ICRC, BRC has been working with 85 vulnerable youths, participants of YAP and in 2016 providing Conflict Management training to 83 at-risk youth and First Aid & CPR certification to 61. The partnership with the ICRC continues into 2017 with funding for several violence prevention activities to be implemented in partnership with Ministry of Education, YAP and the NGO, RET International, working to capacity build vulnerable and at-risk young people. One such training in the pipeline is PSP for families affected by violence, Counsellors, police and BRC Staff & Volunteers. Training will be provided by the ICRC. BRC is also looking forward to continuing and to contributing to a Mentorship Program initiated by RET International. Two Staff members so far have received preliminary training as Mentors, Tremaine Mitchell and Charletta Casanova. 1.Establish relationships with partners & 1.a. New partnerships formed in this stakeholders to provide a wider supportive reporting period include, Alba Petro environment and supply goods and services Caribe, who funded a feasibility study in essential for resilient communities. Consejo Village for a new potable water system. 2.Development of a Pilot Framework for Action 2.a. This activity is being carried out jointly (provide support for families affected by Urban with other stakeholders in coordination Violence). with Youth Apprenticeship Program (MoE) and leadership of RET International 3.Improved National Society positioning 3.a. BRC is recognized for its strength and LIVELIHOODS AND nationally for sustainability to implement key experience in service delivery to COMMUNITY programs and services communities by most partners DEVELOPMENT: The (NGO’S/Private Sector/Business promotion and community) and are sought to partner in implementation of activities several areas for programing (SRH, focused on health, wellness, HIV/AIDS, NCD’s, First Aid, Disaster livelihoods, disaster risk Preparedness and conflict management). reduction, social inclusion and violence prevention in 4. Increase National Society income 4.a. Income from First Aid & CPR training collaboration with national base through sustained delivery of has increased by 46% over 2015. This and community key programs, including First Aid, continues to be the NS’s main source of stakeholders. Home Care Givers Course, Disaster income. With 12 new Instructors certified Preparedness countrywide, and the continuous introduction and promotion of the F/A & Hazard APPS this program has advanced.

4.b. The Home Care Givers Course continues to be provided 3 times per year for an average of 30 persons per cohort. In this reporting period, with the support of RITA funding and as part of the Economic Opportunities, BRC provided this course to 23 females and 4 males; 17 females and 2 males successfully completed the course and were certified as Home Care Givers. In the regular program, 73 females and 3 males received certificate for the program.

5.Increase knowledge and skills for improved 5.a. Through funding from RITA the development of community Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro and Stann Creek Branches received training in Resource Mobilization. Main components

were Management, Financial Literacy &

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

Advocacy. Since then there have been 2 successful proposals coming out of branches and other funding received by another to increase resource mobilization

capacity.

5.b. In 2015 similar training was provided for the 8 RITA target communities in both Corozal and Orange Walk Districts.

5.c. The development of Community Profiles and Advocacy Plans for the 8 RITA communities, under the guidance of the BRC, increased knowledge-base of communities and branches to empower communities to better address the needs

of communities and partners.

5.d. Basic Facilitation Skills were provided 10 participants from 5 branches (Belmopan, Stann Creek, Toledo, San Ignacio, San Pedro) and all successfully completed the training. Corozal and

Orange Walk received the training in 2015. The same training was provided to 13 males & 14 females of 7 of the 8 RITA communities (San Victor, Black Water Creek, Corozal Town, Trial Farm, Santa Cruz, San Antonio and Consejo). 12 persons successfully completed the

course. The training included Financial Literacy and 18 successfully completed this component.

5.e. 1.e. Twelve new First Aid Instructors,

representing 5 branches and HQ were 6.Carry out Psychosocial sessions with 1 pilot certified. family per target communities (2) - (to provide support to families affected by Urban 6.a. This activity was deferred for more Violence). effective planning and delivery on the request of our partners at the Ministry of Education, Youth Apprenticeship Program. They have requested the training not only

for the 2 families but also for their Staff who work with the at-risk youths on a daily basis, Counselors and Police Officers. This has been approved by ICRC.

6.b. In February, 2017 ICRC Delegates will visit to carry out a discussions with

different groups (families, youth, community, partners, BRC Staff & Volunteers) to determine the need for PSP 7. Introduce Personal Conflict Management that exist in Belize.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017 techniques to at-risk youth in target Communities (through the Youth 7.a. Through the support of the ICRC (both Apprenticeship Program) financial and technical), a strong partnership was formed with the Ministry a. Conduct Conflict Workshops with at-risk of Education in their Youth Apprenticeship youth in target communities Program. BRC trained approximately 85 at- risk youths registered in the program, in Conflict Management.

Also, through the RITA program in Orange Walk and Corozal, partnerships were formed with ITVET and the Community

Policing Unit and the most at-risk youths in the target areas were identified. The program worked with an average of 25 youths from the communities of San Victor in Corozal and Trial Farm & Black Water Creek in Orange Walk. The workshop provided them with the skills and techniques to be able to more effectively handle their personal conflicts as well as being able to identify the possibility and signs of their interactions with others, escalating into conflicts. The youth also

learned about good and bad communication, using the “wolf” (you) vs the “giraffe” (I) language. Follow-up assessments have shown slow but consistent changes in some behaviors. Youths have expressed having hope of being able to effect change within their

households and that they find themselves consciously focusing on the “giraffe” way of communicating, which is less aggressive and more understanding and accommodating. Parents have also 8. Increase capacity of urban communities, at- reported on evident changes in the youth risk youth and their families, in Belize City to at home. manage personal conflict and grief a. Conduct First Aid Training with Youth 8.a. At least 85 at-risk youth form the Apprenticeship Program Youth Apprenticeship Program also received training and certification in First b. Conduct First Aid Training with Youth Hostel Aid & CPR.

8.b. Training with at-risk youth from the Youth Hostel was deferred to 2017.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

9.a.BRC has representation and renders support in most Health Fairs held 9.Provide support and guidance for the throughout the country. implementation of Social mobilization events. 9.b. Branches are asked to represent in their districts and in Belize City, HQ a.Provide support and guidance for the represents and disseminates information implementation of Social mobilization events. on BRC core programs, especially focused on health, violence prevention and b.Promote Community Events (Fairs) to create disaster related subjects. awareness of community development needs. 9.c. BRC has been very effective in bringing stakeholders together to discuss issues of c. Promotion of Stakeholder awareness and garbage disposal systems and processes in collaboration (meetings/visits) the communities of San Antonio and Santa Cruz and were very successful in strengthening the partnership with Alba PetroCaribe, obtaining funding (BZ$10,000) to carry out a feasibility study and design of a potable water system in Consejo Village. Both issues are ongoing discussions but they have engaged communities, Village Council Chairpersons, NEMO, Fisheries Dept. and the Ministry of

Rural Development.

10. Initiate environmental programs 10. While not presently, particularly incorporating waste disposal, best practices of implementing environmental specific natural resources management and disaster programs, the RITA program includes management advocacy in the field. a.Organize Community Cleanup Campaigns in 10.a. Community clean-ups have taken target communities place in at least 4 of 8 communities in the North. This has been as a direct result of PHAST and advocacy for clean & healthy communities. b. Engage Government around strengthening 10.b. Several meetings were held with the waste disposal systems and natural resources Village Councils and CSG’s from San management Antonio and Santa Cruz to advocate for an official dumpsite for garbage to be identified and this was successful. BRC also advocated for an official garbage collection system which was also instituted in both communities.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

1.In coordination with the Cuba Red Cross, 1.Social inclusion of marginalized and BRC, CEMO and BAPDA (Belize Assembly SOCIAL ASSISTANCE: The vulnerable groups in both urban and rural of People with Diverse Abilities) have been Belize Red Cross continues to settings. working on having all Plans, in particular, promote social inclusion Disaster Plans, updated to include the care especially among of persons living with diverse abilities. marginalized and vulnerable groups through outreach 1a.In the north, community profiles were a.Updating of beneficiary profiles (confirm completed for the 8 RITA communities and status, living arrangements, etc.) shared with the CSGs, Village Council and

members of the community.

b.Volunteer engagement with participants of 3.In 2016 BRC and HOPE FLOATS, a Non- the Soup kitchen profit charity through which cruise ship passengers, including individuals/families/and business groups volunteer an average of 4 hours of their time and non-perishable goods to charities in Caribbean countries visited during their cruise. Belize Red Cross has had the pleasure to host at least 6 sets of these volunteers during this reporting period. The volunteers have assisted in HQ’s Soup Kitchen program and distributions in the Hurricane Earl response. Other volunteers for the Soup Kitchen program included students form University of Belize, SCA

and St. John’s College Junior College.

c.Outreach to elderly and shut-ins (Touch 4. Along with Volunteers from Detachment therapy) 6, DG visited 3 elderly women, longstanding volunteers of the BRC, now shut-ins, and provided food hampers to them. There are plans to develop a program for visits to shut-ins for the youths to implement on a monthly basis.

Branch Development 1.Strengthen capacity of Branches through 1. Four (4) Branches (Corozal, Orange assistance in program development. Walk, San Pedro & Stann Creek received training in Resource Mobilization and Proposal Writing Training. So far San Pedro, Corozal and Stann Creek have put this training to good use and have developed successful proposals.

2.Capacity Assessment will be conducted in all 2.Two Board Members were trained in the branches. methodology of BOCA (Branch Organization Capacity Assessment). The plan is to train ToT’s from each branch to be able to conduct the BOCA in their branches. This exercise will thereafter facilitate planning for programs, activities addressing the need of the branch and

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

their communities identified during the BOCA process.

3. Develop a Training Curriculum for 3.A training curriculum for Branches has continuous development of branch. not materialized as lack of funding has affected pre-planning. However, the Branches have received several training throughout the year, including Resource Mobilization, Financial Literacy, First Aid Instructor updates. 1. Promote membership drive. 1. A Membership Program was developed a. Launch countrywide (including management and monitoring) Volunteer Mobilization membership drive and circulated to the Board and Branches for feed-back. Unfortunately there was none forthcoming. A membership drive was piloted in Belize City. The San Pedro Branch also aggressively recruited members also. However, plans to expand to other branches were not materialized due to lack of support internally.

2. Establish a good volunteer and 2.The Volunteer Management Toolkit was membership management system. updated and presented to volunteers in a a. Finalize the Volunteer Volunteer Forum in early 2016. Management Toolkit with additions relevant to Belize and the membership drive. 3. Volunteer database kept current and 3.Unfortunately the Volunteer database updated regularly both at national crashed and had to be reconstructed all and district levels. over. Volunteer Manager made attempts a. Train Staff and Volunteers on to reconstruct and keep updated. proper updating techniques and use of Volunteer Database. 4. Implement the Volunteer Policy. 4.Meeting to finalize the Volunteer Policy a. Hold meeting with NS was not held. Management to finalize the Volunteer Policy 5. Continue Volunteer recruitment, 5.This is ongoing. A Volunteer Encounter training, retention and recognition was held in Early 2016 with process representatives from every branch in attendance. Outstanding Volunteers from all branches & HQ were awarded for their outstanding contribution to the work of the BRC.

a. Host the 2nd Belize Red Cross 5.a. The 2nd Annual BRC Volunteer Forum Volunteer Forum was not held in 2016, since there was an encounter in the earlier months. However, this Forum is now being planned for April, 2017.

6. Ensure a strong and diverse 6.The BRC’s Volunteer/Membership volunteer base reflective of the Database reflects the diversity of Belize’s

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

ethnic diversity of Belizean Society society. Includes members of diverse that includes persons from ethnic background and marginalized vulnerable groups. populations. Recruitment of Volunteers a. Host Countrywide Recruitment and Members is ongoing and promoted at and Promotion Fairs at each Belize every social mobilization activity. Red Cross Branch.

1. Develop a Youth Policy with guidelines of 1.Youth Policy was developed and several international standards. attempts were made to re-engage young Youth Development a. Re-engage Youth Volunteers in an online volunteers.

forum to formalize the draft Youth Policy

2. Implement youth exchange and cross 2.Youth Exchange was not realized due to

cultural learning programs. inactiveness of the Youth Central

b. Engage in Street Beat sessions throughout Committee. However, Youth were

the country, where youth volunteers from engaged in carrying out 2 Street Beats,

other districts will team up with other district one in San Pedro and one in Toledo.

youth volunteers.

3. Provide support, monitoring and guidance 3.Youth Central Committee did not

to the Youth Central Committee. respond to any call for improvement.

a. Hold Youth Central Committee Elections and Leadership needs changing. A new Youth

a follow up mentoring workshop. Central Committee will be conducted in

2017.

Capacity Building 1.Design capacity building programs to 1.Project Management Development improve productivity and overall performance training was deferred to 2017. Three staff of staff and volunteers at the HQ and members will be certified. Branches Branches. received Project Management training in a. Train Staff and Volunteers in Project Resource Mobilization training conducted. Management, Execution and Implementation. Volunteers and staff were introduced to the Cash Transfer Program and trained on its implementation by PADRU during the response to Hurricane Earl.

2. Facilitate Volunteer Development, Violence 2.Both Staff and Branch Volunteers Prevention and Facilitation skills. participated in Basic Facilitation Skills training. a. Reintroduce the Annual Volunteer 2.a. See above (#1.) Encounter and Award Ceremony

b.Train personnel in Street Mediation and 2.b. See #2. above Basic Skill in Facilitation. 3. Upgrade capacity in DRR and DRM and 3. This is ongoing, but more emphasized in response. preparation for the Hurricane Season.

a. NITS Training 3.a. NITS training was deferred until 2017.

1. Resource Mobilization capacities and efforts 1.a.Through a newly developed are enhanced to access more reliable Membership Recruitment Program

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

contributions incoming donations increased minimally. a. Active membership recruitment at HQ and While there were over 40 new Members Branches targeted, only 4 materialized. These are Alba Petrocaribe, Truck Parts of Belize, Angelus Press Limited (Santiago Castillo Group of Companies) and Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel.

b. Marketing of the First Aid and Multi Hazard b.BRC’s First Aid and Multi Hazard Apps Apps as sustainable income source were both launched in 2015 but aggressively promoted and marketed during this reporting period. Promotion of the First Aid App is now a part of each First Aid training.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION c. Development of at least one long-term c. Instead of creating a new long-term AND PARTNERSHIP sustainable income generation source sustainable income generation DEVELOPMENT: Establish program/source, the First Aid & CPR and maintain a strong training program was updated and partnership with internal promotion and marketing increased. The and external partners Snack Shop has also been under close monitoring for feasibility. An evaluation of the latter is scheduled to take place in the last week of March of 2017.

2. Increase in the amount of funding proposals 2. Successful proposals in 2016 were written and submitted achieved from: (i.) Alba PetroCaribe – Feasibility Study for potable water for consejo; (ii.) IFRC – World AIDS Day, Non-Communicable Diseases.

a. Identify national and international potential 2.a.The partnership with Alba Petro Caribe donors has been very successful and they have supported two main projects the BRC is advocating for. First is for the Feasibility Study and design of a potable water system for Consejo Village ($10,000); second is support for BRC’s core programs ($10,000). BRC’s advocacy continues with the purchase and installment of 24 water catchment tanks for Consejo in the interim they receive the new potable system. Management held conversations with USAID/OFDA re: funding for Disaster Preparedness projects and have submitted a wish list. Proposals are being developed. One potential new donor is the Canadian Red Cross, to whom BRC has expressed interest in working with through regional programs. In 2017 this will be realized.

b. Proposal development for sustained 2.b.The development of another 3-5 years implementation of NS Programs program proposal has started. This

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

program is aimed to mirror at least 4 of the main RITA activities that were successfully implemented from 2013-2017 in the north. The proposal will be submitted to Belize Holdings Co. Ltd.

3.a. Ministry of Education has been supporting BRC’s Conflict Management and First Aid programs. They have given access to their Youth Apprenticeship Program and in 2016, 85 young persons benefited from both programs. 3. Key Partners in development (nationally and internationally) are collaborating with the 3.b. Several attempts were made to National Society partner with NEMO on the a. Conduct Partner visits and calls with key implementation of the Strategic Targeting domestic partners to gain support for the NS Methodology (STM). To date funding that programs and services was earmarked for this program has been b. Identify areas for collaboration with key redirected due to lack of cooperation from partners including Government NEMO. 3.c. On an ongoing basis BRC seeks new partnerships for execution of program activities. A partnership was formed with both ITVET and Community Policing to implement Conflict Management workshops through the RITA program. Twenty-five (25) young persons benefited from this partnership. Other partnerships developed were with: La Inmaculada Credit Union for Economic Opportunities for young at-risk youth in Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. Another partnership is with BELTRAIDE (SBDC Unit) for entrepreneurship training for young at-risk youth again through the RITA program in the north. The San Pedro Branch has been working successfully with the Ministry of Health’s Blood Bank promoting and advocating for blood donations on the island of Ambergris Caye. In 2016 there were 29 donors (22 Males/7 Females) donating blood.

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND 1.Improved Public Information and Education 1.a. BRC was represented at least at 12 EDUCATION (PIE) AND for better understanding of challenges of Expo and Health Fairs for 2016. At these INFORMATION AND urban risk reduction including Safer Access, fairs the different programs and services COMMUNICATIONS climate change adaptation, migration, violence are disseminated to the general public TECHNOLOGY (ICT): To prevention, communicable and non- attending the fair and visiting the BRC promote respect for communicable diseases booth. Every opportunity provided to the diversity and human dignity; National Society is taken to participate in social inclusion; and culture a. Increase the number of staff and volunteers radio and TV talk shows where facts about of non-violence and peace actively engaging on the IFRC's eLearning Urban and rural risk reduction according

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

Platform to our programs, Climate Change, violence prevention and mitigation and since 2016, Non communicable diseases. b. Finalize Safer Access Framework, including The E-learning platform is promoted to all ratification by Governing Board & Distribution staff and volunteers. At least 2 staff of Final Safer Access Framework members have accessed courses in 2016. b.Safer Access training was provided by the ICRC in the last quarter of 2016, however, the Framework was still not completed. A committee of board members and other volunteers and staff was formed since 2014 to develop the Safer Access Framework but this never came to fruition. The assistance of the ICRC has been sought.

2.Dissemination of the BRC 7 Fundamental 2.a. This activity has been deferred to principles 2017. a. Training of NS Staff, including Board members and volunteers in the 7 Fundamental Principles b. Develop Public Information and Education for the dissemination of the 7FPs (using social media)

3.Improved Communication system utilized a. BRC Website is developed and maintained

b. All social media platforms are kept actively 3.a. Website development was delayed updated due to Natural Light Productions (NLP) c. Increase online recruitment of volunteers having ceased carrying out this line of and members work. BRC has engaged Mr. Alrick Gentle, former employee of NLP to complete the job. This will be completed in 2017. Online recruitment of volunteers and members will be a feature on the website.

3.b. BRC Facebook accounts are kept active. STRONG NATIONAL 1.Governance and Management understand 1.The roles and responsibilities of SOCIETY: Building a strong their roles and responsibilities and are Governance require some clarity in order National Society with focus compliant. for the board to be in full compliance. This on leadership, management, a. Analyse, review and update Central exercise has not been carried out as yet. volunteers and Branch Committee roles and responsibilities Management’s role and responsibility is development b. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) clear and to best of existing capacity, developed compliance is achieved. a.Roles & responsibilities of the Central Committee is in the process of being clarified. b. SOPs have not yet been developed, the Rules of Procedure and the Constitution has been the guide being followed.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

2. Capable and qualified Human Resources to 2.a.Management restructuring at HQ took allow for program implementation place in January, 2016 and the new (geographic, people reached, and complexity) organogram was disseminated. Core a. Dissemination of new Organogram positions were reviewed and revised and b. Recruit Finance Officer call for applications advertised internally in c. Analyze, review and update operations 2015. These positions were: Community document (staff policy, code of conduct, Development Officer, Livelihoods Officer, financial and administrative procedures, etc) Director Operations/Programs, Director Volunteers & Youth and M&E officer. Positions were assigned with new job descriptions. Unfortunately, between August – September, 2016, 4 key staff members resigned (Director Program/Operations, Director Volunteers & Youth, Livelihood Officer and Communications Officer) and to date have not been replaced. b. A new Finance Officer was recruited in September, 2016. c. All staff documents were updated and re-disseminated to all staff and branches.

3.a. Staff Appraisals are pending and will 3.Staff performance appraised annually be carried out by May, 2017. Job a.Review and update Job Descriptions to cover Descriptions were just reviewed in 2015. expanding functions of National Society Another review is scheduled to take place by May 2017.

1.BRC has a well-structured financial FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: 1.The financial system is transparent and management system that is transparent, Effective management of accountable. However, plans to switch to accountable and responsible. programs and spending Sage under the partnership with the a. Review and update Financial and through increased Norwegian Red Cross never materialized. Administration Procedures transparency, reliability and a. Financial & Admin Procedures were consistency of financial b. Annual preparation / review of budget, and updated. transactions work plans b. Work Plan was developed and c. Conduct Annual Audits implemented. This report is based on that d. Coordinate semi-annual meetings with plan. Finance Commission c. Annual Audits continue to be a e. Quarterly monitoring visits to Branches challenge. The NS has been in non- compliance since 2013.

d. Meetings with the Finance Commission never happened. e. DG has visited all branches with the exception of Belmopan Branch. A meeting was never able to be organized with their Executive Committee despite several requests. San Ignacio and Belmopan are both dormant at present.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

COMMUNICATIONS: 1.Improved image and profile of the National 1. Face Book , First Aid & Multi-Hazard Effective plans to strengthen Society in the public domain Apps both are actively promoting the communication methods to image and profile of the BRC. address the challenges with internal and external a. This is ongoing a. Increase utility of ICT and Social Media to communications advocate and disseminate information about the National Society

b. Finalization and maintenance of BRC Website b.Work in progress

2. Improved communications structure for 2. Communication Strategy requires both internal and external communication updating. Unfortunately, the lines Communication Officer resigned before completing this task.

a. Not accomplished due to resignation of a. Development of an Effective Communication Officer. Communications structure at HQ and at least 2 Branches

b. Develop an electronic newsletter with b.The newsletter was discontinued for database revision. Communication Officer’s resignation caused incompletion.

MONITORING AND 1.Develop a Monitoring and Evaluation 1. Work in Progress EVALUATION: The Belize Red Framework Cross has established a a. This Unit was established and an M&E Monitoring & Evaluation a. Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Officer assigned the job description. She is System to ensure all supported by an intern. programs monitored and b. This is being done on a case by case evaluated; achievements, b.Develop a national M&E Framework for NS basis. lessons learnt, and (HQ and branches) core programs beneficiary feedback are c. Completed properly documented and c. Develop standard templates for reporting reported 2.M&E Intern trained to hold over from 2. Increase knowledge and skills of NS staff in M&E Officer on maternity leave. She the use of M&E tools. continues to support.

a. Train staff on M&E Framework a. M&E Framework is still a work in progress.

b.To date there are 5 HQ staff members b.Training of key staff in PMDPro trained in Project Management Development.

3.Collection and recording of FDRS/FWRS data 3. BRC is in compliance and submits this data every year. 2016 data is complete and will be submitted in March, 2017.

a.Inclusion of Federation Databank Reporting a. This data not only informs the M&E System (FDRS) 7 Proxy Indicators in National plans for the NS but also work plans. M&E Plans. b.completed. However, branches are still b. Develop an effective data collection system in non-compliance, except for 1 branch

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

(from HQ and Branches) (Czal) in submitting their information.

c. Annual reporting of data for inclusion in c. This is done annually. Last report FDRS submitted for 2015. 2016 will be submitted in first quarter of 2017.

 Major achievements: a. Development, dissemination and implementation of a National Strategic Development Plan 2016-2020, aligned to the IFRC Strategy 2020 and the Inter American Frame Work for Action.

b. Major partnerships for Hurricane Earl response: BTL, BECOL, Angelus Press Ltd., Norwegian Cruise Line,

c. Improved relationship with Corozal Branch.

 Major setbacks: a. Limited operations finance b. Non-compliance by branches to report activities & finances c. Audits delayed due to branch non-compliancce d. Resignation of key staff (including Deputy DG & Director Volunteer Management)

 Overall assessment: o The year 2016 was a very challenging year for the Belize Red Cross, notwithstanding it produced very progressive work as described in the report above. o The non-compliance of branches to report activities and finance to the HQ has caused major hindrance in the National Society development as it is imperative for the NS to submit up-to-date financial audits. BRC has not been able to submit these since 2012 (did not include branch finance) due to branch failure to submit theirs. o The NS is 3 years in non-adherence of the constitution in conducting General Assemblies and election of Board Members.

o The Membership Recruitment Program was rolled out but needs more tweaking for more effectiveness. The outline was circulated for comments to Board, Branches and staff. There was no feedback forthcoming.

o Management restructuring was implemented in January, 2016 to ensure that all core functions of the National Society were covered.

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

PHOTO GALLERY

SOCIAL MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES – COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIRS

Home Care Givers Certification, Orange Walk(RITA) Participation at Regional Meetings

Recipients of Conflict Management Workshops facilitated under RITA

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

Recognizing & Awarding Volunteers, January, 2016

Community Meetings/PHAST Training (RITA)

Partnership Meeting With Petro Caribe Corporate Donations for Hurricane Earl

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

Assessments – Hurricane Earl Cash Transfer Program (CTP)

Mapping Beneficiaries in Ladyville

PARTNERSHIPS IN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Certificates for Cake & Pastry Making-BRC/YWCA Entrepreneurship Training (RITA) - BELTRAIDE (SBDC)/BRC RITA Recipients Receiving

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

Cake & Pastry Making Recipients of certificates Economic Opportunities (RITA) San Pedro Branch Blood Drives

Contribution to Infrastructure – Micro-Projects (RITA)

Well Cleaning & Construction of Skirts & Covers Construction of Latrines & Septics (PHAST)

Bus Shed in Orange Walk (3) School Mural Painting - PHAST

Director General’s Annual Report 2016 March 30th, 2017

National Society Development

FA Instructors Training Branch Resource Mobilization Training

Basic Facilitation Skills – Orange Walk Corozal Branch Wardens Certification