A week-long training on Cash and Voucher Assistance, and the use of the RedRose platform during cash transfers in emergency situations, organised by the Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS), recently ended at Lemon Creek Hotel in Bijilo.
Funded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network, the training was attended by 30 participants comprising national Head Office staff, directors, senior officers, project staff, regional officers and interns of the GRCS. It was aimed at equipping the humanitarian organization’s staffers and volunteers with the practical knowledge and tools needed to design and implement cash transfer programmes in emergency contexts.
The Secretary General of GRCS Mr. Alasan Senghore, recalled that they wanted to protect the dignity of people about two years ago, when they were assisting vulnerable households during the Covid-19 lock-down. Therefore, he noted, they were the pioneers in terms of paradigm shift, efficiency and cost-effectiveness as well as propagating for cash assistance by introducing the Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA). The GRCS boss believed the training was a step in the right direction.
IFRC Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Mohammed Omar Mukhier, in his statement, vouched for a ‘multi-disciplinary team’ at GRCS that could be deployed anywhere and they would deliver fully, adding “I can see that talent, skill and knowledge in this room”.
The Regional boss echoed IFRC’s determination to ensure that all African national societies are cash ready. He further hailed the organization, saying there is integrity, accountability, leadership, good governance, management and, good investment on youth and volunteers, in GRCS, reasoning that’s why its brand is strong.
The head of Sahel Cluster in Dakar, Daniel Bolanos Gonzales, commended Gambia Red Cross Society for the great work it’s doing for Gambian people.
Mr. Momodou Lamin Fye, an Adviser to the Regional Director, said the RedRose innovation is very efficient, and expressed confidence that GRCS had what it takes to achieve its goals.
Senior Disaster Management and Cash and Voucher Assistance Officer for IFRC, Gabriel Nashon Noyanga, opined that GRCS is one national society that has everything that could get it to higher heights, adding they are well positioned to deliver CVA of any capacity, at any time.
Director of Programmes and Operations at the GRCS, Mr. Abdoulie Faye, informed that Cash and Voucher Assistance is important in the work of Red Cross, particularly in CVA programmes.
