Improving the capability of communities to respond and cope with disasters forms the cornerstone of the Red Cross and Red Crescent's recovery philosophy around the world.

The International Federation's post-tsunami operation in the devastated Indonesian province of Aceh is a prime example of how capacity building is helping people become even more resilient and better prepared for the next time disaster strikes.

"Recovery programmes, like the one in Aceh, offer a unique opportunity not only to rebuild but also to make communities safer and healthier than they were before, especially in disaster-prone nations like Indonesia," says Cynthia Burton of the International Federation's post-disaster recovery programme.

"Rehabilitation and reconstruction also give us the chance to make people less vulnerable to catastrophes," adds Burton, who will take part in the International Federation's upcoming Asia and Pacific Regional Conference in Singapore later this month, which will focus on disaster management capacity building among other things.

Water and sanitation

At the government water utility compound in Banda Aceh, six young men work around the clock, ensuring that enough safe drinking water is available for the city and its surrounding area.

"Water is life," says 21-year old Rahmat Aulia matter-of-factly, as he tightens the cover of a water tank. "No one survives without water." Rahmat, a student of computer programming at a local university, is the leader of the team. He and the other group members were recently recruited by the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia, or PMI), and given on-the-job training as part of the International Federation's programme to build the Water and Sanitation (WatSan) capabilities of PMI.

"I am very happy with my job," says Rahmat, grinning. "I never thought I would be doing such important work for the community, providing a basic but essential service to the people. The Red Cross makes a difference… It touches people's lives."

He vows to continue working with PMI and to share his knowledge in computer programming. "The more skilled people we have at PMI, the better and more services we give to the people," he adds.

Fidelis Chulu, an International Federation WatSan coordinator, says PMI's water and sanitation capacity has improved dramatically since the December 2004 tsunami. "Now they can run and maintain the facilities themselves, with minimal assistance from us. It won't be too long before it's all them."

Psychosocial support

In villages around Aceh, 75 local Red Cross staff and volunteers trained in providing psychosocial support conduct a variety of recreational, sports and income-generating activities for tsunami-survivors to help them rebuild their self confidence and return to their normal lives.

"We were already carrying out psychological projects before the tsunami, but our approach was not as focused or as organized as it is now," explains Intan Keumala, a PMI psychosocial support coordinator.

"The training and guidance we have received from other National Societies with experience in this field, like the Turkish Red Crescent and the American and Danish Red Cross, has been invaluable… Their guidance has made us even more effective," she adds.

Keumala cites the case of a young mother, who lost her two children in the tsunami, as a good example of why psychosocial support plays such an essential role in recovery.

"This woman had lost her two children and wound up isolating herself for several months," she explains. "She refused to talk to anyone, including her husband, but after gentle yet persistent persuasion from psychosocial experts, she has begun to recover and is now an active community leader who spearheads a lot of creative activities, especially for women and children."

The International Federation's Cynthia Burton agrees that this type of assistance is key to the long-term rehabilitation of disaster survivors.

"Psychosocial support is one of the most effective and important services the Red Cross and Red Crescent provides," says Burton. "When people talk about recovery, they often refer to rebuilding homes and infrastructure… but helping people come to terms with their loss and healing the emotional scars left by disasters is just as important."

Disaster preparedness

At the PMI chapter in Banda Aceh, 25-year old Felly Andika checks the radio equipment to ensure that it has clear reception. Through this equipment, the Banda Aceh Red Cross chapter is in easy and regular contact with the province's 22 PMI branches.

Andika is one of 72 PMI staff members and volunteers trained to operate the Aceh-wide early warning system, which was built with the support of the Federation, the Spanish, Canadian and Australian Red Cross Societies, as well as the Hong Kong branch of the China Red Cross.

"This kind of early warning system is something that the Red Cross in Aceh never had before," says Andika. "It is a vital component of disaster preparedness that a disaster-prone country like Indonesia needs."

"Now, branches are just a radio call away, especially in times of disasters."

In addition to supporting the water and sanitation, psyschosocial support and disaster preparedness capacities of PMI, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent has also helped run a number of community-based first aid (CBFA) training programmes for PMI staff and volunteers.

"First aid training helps strengthens the skills and confidence of the community, especially in times of disasters," says Ayham Alomari, an International Federation health delegate. "People are happy to learn new skills and knowing how to give first aid means they're in a stronger position to help one another during emergencies and on a day-to-day basis."

The Red Cross Red Crescent has also been able to help PMI build the capacity of its local staff in the construction of safe houses, providing them with advice on design, material, and the environment.

"This is really good," says Abi, a PMI construction field officer on Simeuleu Island. "Now we can provide better roofs for our people."

Capacity building

The International Federation also conducts capacity building sessions with all branches in Aceh and on Nias Island as part of the PMI's branch development programme.

"The key to the success of all programmes is the understanding and appreciation of what the Red Cross and Red Crescent is all about, its basic ideals and principles, and its vision and humanitarian mission," says Kerrie Collett, the Federation's branch development delegate.

"A strong National Society makes a strong Red Cross Red Crescent," says Bustari Mansyur, Chairman of PMI's Aceh chapter. "It works best when all the players in our Movement work as one team, speak with one voice and aim for a common goal.

"I am proud to say, this is what is happening in Aceh," he adds.

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