Bobonaro, 3–6 December 2025 — The Timor-Leste Red Cross (CVTL), in collaboration with the American Red Cross Delegation (AmCross) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), successfully conducted a Medium-Term Internal Review for the project “Strengthening Disaster Readiness and Response (SDRR)” in Bobonaro Municipality.
The review brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government member partners, international NGOs, local organizations, community volunteers (VolKom), the Village Disaster Risk Management Commission (KJRDS), students, teachers, SDRR Program Officers, and the CVTL Bobonaro Branch Coordinator.
According to Ms. Elisabeth Glorita, ICBRR Manager, the SDRR Project aims to strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts by sharing experiences before, during, and after disaster response. “Through interactive question-and-answer sessions with partners and volunteers, we identify challenges, draw lessons, and enhance support for DRR services in Lolotoe and Balibo,” she said.
A focused evaluation of the Disaster Preparedness and Response (DRR) program was carried out by Mr. Colin Fernandes (AmCross Delegation), Mr. Macario Lopes (Senior Program Officer, IFRC), Mr. Eujulmeiro Guterres (SDRR Program Officer), and Ms. Elisabeth Glorita (ICBRR Manager). The evaluation also included participation from:
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Mr. Zeca Michael Lopes (APC Commander, Bobonaro Municipality)
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Mr. Armindo Maia (SMPC Director)
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Mr. Armindo Barros (SMASA Director)
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Mr. Orlando (World Vision DRM Coordinator)
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Sebastião Freitas (ADRO Executive Director)
Experience-sharing sessions were held with students, teachers, and VolKom volunteers across multiple locations in Lolotoe and Balibo:
Lolotoe Post – Lebos
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Teachers: 6 participants (M:2, F:4)
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Students (EBF Lebos): 15 participants (M:4, F:11)
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VolKom Volunteers: 22 participants (M:8, F:14)
Balibo Post – Huo Ba, EBF Weclesse
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Teachers: 2 participants (M:1, F:1)
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Students: 15 participants (M:6, F:9)
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VolKom Volunteers: 13 participants (M:4, F:8)
Participants included individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusive community involvement. Through Q&A sessions, students, village authorities, KJRDS representatives, and VolKom volunteers exchanged experiences on SDRR implementation, discussed existing challenges, and highlighted lessons learned to improve future disaster preparedness efforts.
This activity was made possible with support from the American Red Cross (AmCross).
For more pictures click the following link CVTL, AmCross, and IFRC Conduct Medium-Term Internal Review of SDRR Project in Bobonaro
