MAURITIUS RED CROSS SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT
2013
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THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLESOF THE RED CROSS MOVEMENT
The Red Cross Movement is governed by 7 Key Principles:
1. HUMANITY 4. INDEPENDENCE
The Movement is independent. The National The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies while auxiliaries in the humanitarian Movement, born of a desire to bring services totheir States and subject to the laws assistance without discrimination to the of the respective countries, must always wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its maintain their autonomy so that they are able international and national capacity, to prevent at all time to act in accordance with the and alleviate suffering wherever it may be Principles of the Movement. found. 5. VOLUNTARY SERVICE 2. IMPARTIALITY It is a voluntary relief Movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political 6. UNITY opinions. It endeavours to relive the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their There can be only one Red Cross or Red needs, and to give priority to the most urgent Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open at all. It must carry humanitarian cases of distress. work throughout its territory.
3. NEUTRALITY 7. UNIVERSALITY
In order to continue enjoying the confidence The International Red Cross and Red Crescent of all, the Movement may not take sides in Movement, in which all Societies have equal hostilities or engage at any time in status and share equal responsibilities and controversies of a political, racial, religious or duties in helping each other, is worldwide. ideological nature.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Fundamental Principles 3 Table of contents 4 Introduction and message of the
President
Disaster Preparedness & 5 & 6 Response and Risk Reduction
Health and Care 7
Organisational Development 8
Humanitarian Diplomacy and 9 Promotion
Activities of Branches (including Rodrigues) 9-13
Financial Report 14
Other highlights and supporters 15
MRCS Contact address 16
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The Mauritius Red Cross Society (MRCS) is a Non-Governmental Humanitarian Agency enacted by the Mauritius Red Cross Society Act 55 of 18thDecember 1973. The National Society, with a view to enhancing the organisational effectiveness, promoting its corporate visibility and improving its services, embarked on the preparation of a strategic plan 2103-16, in line with the International Red Cross 2020 Agenda.
The Strategic Plan (2013-2016) aims at benefitting the society, in particular the vulnerable community and its publics in numerous ways.
The strategic plan focuses on four key areas:
(i) Disaster Preparedness & Response and Risk Reduction
(ii) Health and care
(iii) Organisational Development
(iv) Humanitarian Diplomacy
Message of the President of the Mauritius Red Cross Society
As the world witnesses drastic climate change and disaster related occurrences, Where massive infrastructural damages are caused and where the loss of human Lives is a common feature, our National society (MRCS) could not remain
Insensitive to the flash flood that struck us in March 2013, as one of its first kind in Mauritius, given its intensity and gravity, in terms of damages caused and lives lost. As President of this leading organisation in disaster issues, I cannot, but commend the contribution of our volunteers and , above all, the solidarity of the Mauritians at large during the rescue operations organised by Red Cross and our partner agencies. This, however, leads us to think seriously of our capacities, limitations and gaps in handling such situations. As a matter of fact, in an environment where emergencies and disasters seem to grow rather than wane, we have to be keen to seek new and innovative ways to making our National society (MRCS) an organisation that can sustain its effort, even in difficult situations.
One way would be to diversify our income generating activities initiate new programme that could help us to succeed and sustain, against all odds. In addition, a policy to continuously recruit and retaining volunteers and staff would enable us to be always there ready to assist as and when needed. 4
Oormeela Jawaheer
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE AND RISK REDUCTION
The Mauritius Red Cross Society has a mandate to continuously save lives and strengthen resilience of vulnerable communities to disasters as spelt out in its Strategic plan 2013-2016.
In order to advocate its role of auxiliary to the public authorities, the national society (NS) organised two workshops, in the first quarter, for the benefit of the members of the Mauritius Police Force and private enterprises. The main objective of this workshop was to advocate the role of the NS during emergency operations and humanitarian response operations.
Unfortunately, the 30th March 2013 flash floods have proved that Mauritius is not spared from the whims and caprices of Mother Nature.
Volunteers of the National Societies were massively mobilised for more than three days to respond to the urgency needs of victims of the catastrophic flash floods that affected mainly inhabitants of Port-Louis and its peripherals.
Food parcels, stoves and other non-food items were distributed to the victims. Several private enterprise were solicited such Leal co. Ltd, Phoenix Beverages, DCL Ltée amongst others, who responded positively to our appeals. FACT SHEET
535 food parcels and 166 stoves were distributed
Approx. 100 volunteers mobilised
on four consecutive days
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These events also supported that ‘Response’ alone is essential but not sufficient to meet the increasing demand caused by hazards impacts on larger population. Therefore it is an obligation to share knowledge that can help to identifying hazards and risks, taking actions to build safety and resilience, and reducing future hazards impacts.
In concrete terms, public awareness and public education for disaster reduction seek to turn available human knowledge into specific local action to reduce disaster risks. It mobilizes people through clear messages, supported with detailed information.
It is in this line of thinking, that the NS initiated the Risk Reduction Project- “Zeness Pran Kont”as supported by PIROI, where more than 700 youth were inducted with the concept of identifying risks and developinga culture of risk reduction.
It is important to highlight that the success of this project goes also toDood, the Dodo, that was generously been put at the disposal of the Mauritius Red Cross Society as an Ambassador for Disaster Risk Reduction by the CEO of CITADEL, Mr. E. Tsang Man Kin.
FACT SHEET
18 volunteers trained as Animateurs
821 youth inducted
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Following a Cabinet decision last October, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC) was set up in November. The Centre, now, acts as the main institution for the Republic of Mauritius for the coordination and monitoring of disaster risk reduction and management activities at all levels.
The Mauritius Red Cross Society is represented on the Council and is a key member of its Emergency Operations Command (EOC).
HEALTH AND CARE
Since years now, the National Society is contributing in the preventive sector in educating vulnerable community members in the basics of primary health care such as hygiene promotion and First Aid.
The overall focus is to empower target communities to be responsible for their own health. Our North Branch engaged themselves with both State and Non –State actors in promoting a healthier lifestyle with a view to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, commonly considered as silent killers.
The Mauritius Red Cross Society continues to be the leading First Aid training provider both in enterprises and in the community. In order to advocate the importance of First Aid, the National Society never misses the opportunity, during the year, to participate in health and care forums such as the Salon de la Santé or wellness weeks on site of private enterprises.
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The MRCS embarked itself in the review of its First Aid curricula, pedagogical tools and materials in 2012. With some recommendations which were made, the NS continues the process in view of having a new syllabus and tools by 2014.
Key Achievements
529 persons were inducted in First Aid
1232 trained in Basic First Aid mostly in private enterprise
ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMNENT
In order to achieve its Goals and Objectives, the MRCS Governance together with its Management team started that process since 2010. The process aims at transforming the National Society into a strong and sustainable one which is able to mobilise adequate human, financial and material resources.
The 2013-2016 Strategic Plan has been developed with the aim of helping the NS to achieve the above mentioned goals.
In light of the above, the NS aims at further developing its capacity building potential, and has earmarked the followings as its primary goals:
- The Resources Mobilisation Strategy and Plan - The Volunteer policy, amongst others.
8 Nevertheless, The National Society managed to maintain its core staff, raised funds through income generating activities both at branch level and Headquarters.
HUMANITARIAN DIPLOMACY / PROMOTION OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
The Mauritius Red Cross Society has continued to promote its core Principles and Value on every occasion. During workshops, induction courses or even in activities organised with other stakeholders.
The MRCS was also present on every IHL Committee convened by the Prime Minister’s Office.
ACTIVITIES OF OUR BRANCHES (MAURITIUS)
The MRCS has a pool of approximately 500 members regrouped in 5 branches in Mauritius and 1 in Rodrigues within the National Societies are actively engaged in the various projects of the MRCS. These members/volunteers are supported by the 26 staffs of the MRCS in Mauritius and Rodrigues. The MRCS is supported in its endeavour to alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable communities, through partnership with local, regional and international organization in numerous way; Funding, technical support and capacity building.
MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE BRANCHES
1) Welfare Activities
2) Participation in Drill Exercise (Disaster Preparedness)
3) First Aid training
9 4) Participation in First Aid Post
5) Flag Day
6) End of year party
SUMMARY OF SOME ACTIVITIES UNDER TAKEN BY OUR BRANCHES
ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY ON
West and south Once per week Economie Boutique branch Food Parcel distribution South branch Once per month
Rental of Medical Equipments such as clutches ,fowler beds, All branches Whole year wheel chairs
Flag Day All branches In May
End of year parties for vulnerable groups All branches In December
EXCERCISES/DRILLS PARTICIPATION 2013
DATE REGIONS TYPE OF EXERCISE PARTICIPATION
Road Accident 7 members 06 June 2013 Midlands
4 BDRT 18 August 2013 Chamarel Landslides
21 August 2013 Candos Landslides 8 BDRT
22 August 2013 AnseJonchée Landslides 5 members
16 October Phoenix (Jumbo) Fire Drill 5 members 2013
10 SOME PHOTOS
ACTIVITIES BY OUR RODRIGUES BRANCH
1. Project
- First Aid for Vulnerable children at School
The project entitled “First Aid for vulnerable children at School.” was funded by the Decentralised Cooperate Program (DCP) and the MRCS Rodrigues Branch. The objective of the project was to train 150 teachers from REDCO Ltd (Secondary), RCEA (Primary) and ‘Association des EcoleMaternel (Pre-primary)’ in first aid. 30 first aid kits and 2000 booklets were offered to schools and colleges. A remittance of certificate 11 was held on 22nd June 2013 at the Human Resource Center, Malabar. In the context of the project the branch was also equipped with several materials such as laptop, LCD projector and a load stretcher for van. This project brought much visibility for our organisation and has developed a good working relationship between schools and our Rodrigues Branch.
- Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA)
Vulnerability & Capacity Assessments (VCA) were conducted in two communities and a proposal of project entitled “Empowerment of young & single mothers of Rodrigues Island” was sent to the HQ.
2. Members and volunteers During the year the branch has 36 members in the branch and 26 others in the Youth Section. The members have participated actively in the different activities.
Training
- First Aid Training
During the year, 16 staffs of companies have completed Basic First Aid Course, 21 staffs of public sectors have refreshed in first aid and 21 coaches of the Mauritius Sport Council completed the introduction to first aid course. There were 12 members have also completed the introduction course. An awareness session on first aid was held at the MITD of Le Chou.
- Lifeguard Training
Lifeguard Training was organised for the first time in Rodrigues. 8 members and 12 staffs of companies attended this training at the swimming pool of Marechal from 11 to 14 April 2014. The course was delivered by Mr Verte, a member of the Mauritius Red Cross Society Rodrigues Branch. The opening of the training was done by the President of the MRCS, Mrs Jawaheer, The Director General, Mr. Ramnauth and the commission of Sport & Health, Mr. Valymamode. A Certificate ceremony was held on the 25th May 203
12 3. Disaster Preparedness and Response
As a stakeholder of the Aerodrome Emergency Planning Committee of Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport, the branch has participated in different preparation & consultative meetings during the year. We have also participated in the Air crash simulation organised by the same committee held on the 24th October 2013. A team of eleven members have participated as first aiders and lighting kits from the relief stock were used during the exercise.
4. First Aid Posts
The branch has carried out 8 first aid posts during the year namely during activities for the Elderly day, the Disabled day, Salon des metier and for the National Empowerment Foundation.
5. Flag Day 2013
This year the flag was held on the 6th, 7th and 8th May and as each year collection was done in schools, street and in shops. A sum collected was Rs. 29, 845.
6. Visit of the President and Director General of the MRCS
The Branch received the official visit of the President, Mrs Jawaheer and the Director General, Mr. Ramnauth. During their mission they metthe branch executive committee members and youth section and had fruitful discussion regarding the relocation of the branch, new projects and staff development. They also visited two communities (Montagne Fanal and Nouvelle Decouverte) and also launched the Lifeguard training in Marechal.
13 FINANCIAL REPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONAS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013
ASSETS 2013 2012
Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 5,045,920 5,617,747 Inventories 4,121,439 4,140,635 Other receivables 25,175 25,175 Cash and cash equivalents 3,562,270 3,699,611 7,708,884 7,865,421 TOTAL ASSETS 12,754,804 13,483,168
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
General fund account 11,250,263 11,959,033
Non-current liabilities Borrowings 1,404,541 1,474,135
Current liabilities
Other payables 100,000 50,000
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 12,754,804 13,483,168
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
(a) The President and the Director General took part in the Statutory Meeting held in Sydney, Australia.
(b) The Programme/Disaster Management Coordinator represented the NS in the President and SG’s meeting organised by PIROI in Reunion Island
(c) Overseas training attended by our staff and members:
(i) Livelihood Training in Spain
(ii) PMER and planning meeting in Kenya
(iii) Statutory Meeting, Youth Representative
(d) Mauritius has been selected to host the next RC/RC Pan AfricanConference in 2016. In this context a delegation from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) comprised of Mr. C. ZibiZibi, Senior Regional Advisor for Africa, Dr. Stephen Omollo, Head of Humanitarian Diplomacy and Ms. Eva Zanardi Governance Support Officer visited Mauritiusfor an evaluation prior confirming, two months later, that MRCS has been selected to host the Conference.
SUPPORTERS
The Republic of Mauritius / NGO Trust Fund The Barclays Bank DCL co Ltd Leal Logistics Phoenix Beverages Tamak (Citadel co ltd) 15
Mauritius Red Cross Society (MRCS) The National Leader in First Aid Training & Your First Aid Training Partner
For all your First aid Training requirements, Contact us at the below address:
MAURITIUS RED CROSS SOCIETY Ste Therese Street Curepipe
Tel: +230 670 1274/670 0276 Fax: +230 674 88 55
Email: [email protected]
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