From April 29th to May 3rd, 2024, staff members of the CVTL (Timor-Leste Red Cross) underwent an intensive five-day training session focused on enhancing their skills in information management (IM) and geographic information systems (GIS). Held at the National Headquarters, the training aimed to bolster the organization’s capabilities in leveraging digital technologies for more effective humanitarian efforts.
In today’s digitally-driven world, adeptness in IM and GIS is paramount for organizations like CVTL to swiftly respond to emergencies and efficiently carry out long-term programs. Building upon the success of last year’s introduction to GIS, this year’s training was tailored to provide participants with advanced skills essential for supporting the Red Cross’s mission across various operational facets.
The initiative, supported by expert trainers including Husni Mubarok, Senior Officer Information Management from IFRC; Ahmad Nurrohim, GIS Specialist from PMI; and Eva Juniza, GCDB Officer from IFRC, delved into strategic spatial thinking and decision-making. These skills are vital for planning and executing humanitarian activities effectively, particularly in crisis response, long-term programming, and comprehensive assessments.
The training was attended by 30 participants from CVTL, comprising 10 female and 20 male members. Notably, the participants included a branch operation officer from Aileu, Manatutu, and Liquiça, underlining the broad representation from various operational areas within the organization.
This training initiative is part of the larger Crisis Data Bank project, supported by the IFRC global project and financed by the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) of USAID. With a specific focus on 15 countries, including Timor-Leste, the project aims to enhance the capacity of humanitarian organizations worldwide to effectively manage and utilize data for crisis response and management.