The Ukrainian Red Cross strengthens community emergency preparedness through the SYLA project

Over the past month, the Ukrainian Red Cross has conducted monitoring visits to 19 territorial communities participating in the SYLA project. The primary aim of these visits was to strengthen coordination with local self-government authorities and civil protection specialists in order to enhance emergency preparedness.

In collaboration with communities and partners, emergency stock requirements were identified based on local risk profiles. In addition, schedules were developed for specialised training sessions in first aid, psychological first aid, and mine risk awareness for relevant professionals and services.

During working consultations, key challenges and additional needs of the communities were identified. Some of these are already being addressed by Ukrainian Red Cross specialists, while others have been referred to partners for further response.

As part of the monitoring activities, a meeting was also held with representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), as well as project partners in the Zaporizhzhia region. The delegation reviewed the progress of project implementation and visited the Shyroke community, where they assessed the security situation and the progress of activities on the ground.

The SYLA project is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Danish Red Cross, the German Red Cross, ACTED and IMPACT, with financial support from the European Union.