New Red Vest podcast episode: 'Quiet strength' – Three years of conflict in Sudan have forced millions from their homes. While the crisis gets little outside attention, the people of Sudan persevere.

Beyond limits: Part 2 in Red Vest podcast's series for the International Year of Volunteers. Opening doors, revealing pathways and testing the limits of the possible.

Part 2 in Red Vest podcast's series for the International Year of Volunteers. In this episode Red Vest podcast takes you around the world, from Switzerland to Venezuela and Myanmar, to explore the many ways volunteering opens up new pathways and opportunities even as it pushes people beyond their comfort zone. We share these stories because too often they go untold, despite the fact that locally based volunteers are absolutely critical, not only to every emergencies, but to providing local responses to very complex social challenges.

Beyond limits: Part 2 in Red Vest podcast's series for the International Year of Volunteers

Double disaster duty: Three months ago, a devastating typhoon hit a part of the Philippines that had just suffered a catastrophic earthquake. As always, volunteers in hard-hit communities played a critical role.

The volunteer heart: Why are so many so driven to help others? Part 1 in a special 'Year of the Volunteer' series.

With 2026 being designated as the ‘Year of the Volunteers’, Red Vest launches the first in a series of podcasts exploring the key questions and challenges at the heart of volunteering. In this episode, we visit a welcome centre for refugees in Geneva, Switzerland where we explore the question at the heart of volunteering: what is it that drives people to help others, even when there’s no expectation of reward or reciprocation. In future episodes, we examine the critical role local volunteers play in addressing the world’s biggest challenges, the dangers and risks volunteers often face, and how volunteering often opens doors to new challenges and experiences for those who take the initiative to help others.

New Red Vest podcast episode: The volunteer heart — Why are so many people driven to help others in need?

'Serving with the heart': International Volunteer Year 2026 honours the dedication and bravery of volunteers around the world, saving lives and making an impact in their communities

From the classroom to the frontlines: In the wake of crisis, ‘Teacher Honey’ transforms from educator to emergency responder

For 13 years, Honey Thin, affectionately known to her students and colleagues as “Teacher Honey,” has dedicated her life to education.As vice principal and head of the English Department at Sunflower Myanmar International School in Mandalay, she has played a crucial role in shaping young minds, teaching English under the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program.But when a devastating earthquake struck her hometown of Mandalay, Teacher Honey’s calling extended beyond the classroom. She vividly recalls the day the earthquake struck on 28th March, 2025.“I was at school after the lunch break, about to return to my classroom when the ground started shaking,” she recalls.Honey quickly reassured two colleagues she was with to stay calm, thinking it was just a small tremor like the ones she had experienced before.However, the shaking quickly intensified so she and her team took cover under their desks for protection.When the tremors subsided, a fellow teacher opened the door and urged everyone to evacuate immediately without stopping to collect any belongings. Together, they led more than 400 students, with age ranging from five to fifteen, down from the third floor. Thankfully, all of them made it out safely without injury.This was not Honey's first experience with relief work. In September 2024, she and her school team coordinated with the Myanmar Red Cross to provide basic relief supplies to flood-affected families across the Mandalay region when Typhoon Yagi hit.This earlier collaboration, which was also her first exposure to MRCS, left a strong impression on her and solidified her decision to take a more active role when the earthquake struck.“Before the earthquake, my days were filled with teaching, studying, managing teaching staff, and communicating with parents,” Honey shares. However, witnessing the scale of devastation after the earthquake, she felt a deep urge to do more.Just ten days after the disaster, she joined the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) as a volunteer, eager to support the relief and recovery of her community.“I’m just an ordinary person. At first, I felt lost and frustrated during the earthquake, unsure whether to stay or escape. But I calmed myself and found resilience. I realized the community needed us and decided to help in any way I could. That’s why I chose to volunteer with the Red Cross.”Today, Teacher Honey balances her role in education with her commitment to humanitarian work. She supports earthquake response efforts by spraying pesticides to prevent disease, assisting at mobile clinics, distributing purified drinking water, and conducting community assessments to identify urgent needs.Through all these experiences, she has witnessed a broad range of humanitarian challenges beyond her classroom.“In just six days, I have worked across six different locations and taken on six different duties. I’m both excited and proud of myself,” Honey reflects.After the earthquake, Teacher Honey continues teaching her students online, ensuring their learning remains uninterrupted.Despite the ongoing challenges caused by the earthquake, Teacher Honey has continued her commitment to education through online teaching. Using digital platforms, she connects with her students, ensuring that their learning journey is not interrupted even amid the disaster’s aftermath.For Teacher Honey, education is not just about lessons in a classroom, it is a means of providing stability, hope, and life skills, even in times of crisis. This approach aligns with the principles of RED Education, a global initiative that brings together the IFRC network’s efforts to support education in formal and non-formal spaces for children and young people before, during and after disasters or crises. The approach promotes community resilience, knowledge-sharing, and community empowerment.“Before, my world was mostly limited to the classroom—a small space. Now, I see the broader impact we can have, even among broken buildings and disrupted lives.”

Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping others

Cho Cho Aye and Phu Ngon Wai have been best friends since childhood.Now both at 26 years old, they share more than just childhood memories; they share a deep commitment to humanitarian service as volunteers at the Kyite Ma Yaw Township Red Cross Branch in Mon State.Their journey with the Red Cross began in 2014, right after completing high school and attending a Red Cross basic training session in their community. Beyond their humanitarian work, Cho is a tailor who designs and makes clothes, while Phu runs an online business selling women's apparel.A shared commitmentThey also share a deep commitment to supporting their community through their humanitarian volunteer work. And they share a first-hand understanding of the severe impacts that climate-related crises like storms and floods can have on people and communities.Cho vividly recalls one harrowing experience during the floods in June 2024.“The ground floor of my house was flooded, and my family was trapped inside,”she recalls. “I couldn’t go out, but I was certain my friends were out there, rescuing people. Compared to other houses, mine was still in good condition. As soon as I got in contact with them, I joined the rescue efforts, evacuating flooded neighbors and distributing food and water”.“It’s about recognizing the unseen efforts … I always try to be the one who can give support so that they can live without relying on anyone.”Myanmar Red Cross volunteer Phu Ngon WaiMyanmar is one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia. During the monsoon season from May to October, the country is particularly vulnerable to widespread flooding and landslides, affecting thousands of people. In fact, nearly 95 per cent of the country’s total annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, often accompanied by tropical storms.In July 2024, heavy monsoon rains caused multiple rivers and waterways to overflow, leading to severe flooding throughout the country. This unprecedented flooding claimed lives and affected more than 100,000 people in both rural and urban areas across the country.The Myanmar Red Cross Society and the IFRC responded quickly. With support from an 825,000 Swiss franc allocation the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the Myanmar Red Cross Society provided both immediate relief and early recovery assistancein the most affected areas.“Seeing their smiles makes us happy. It’s this Red Cross mindset that keeps us moving forward – to be there for the people who need us the most.”Myanmar Red Cross volunteer Cho Cho AyeThese disasters frequently lead to mass displacement in villages and towns, particularly in low-lying areas like Kyite Ma Yaw Township in Mon State, southeast Myanmar, where Cho and Phu’s neighbourhood of 100 homes is located.As part of a team of dedicated Red Cross youth volunteers, the majority of Cho and Phu’s work now involves engaging with local communities to prepare before disaster strikes.Both of these volunteers have spent much of their lives building skills to stay safe, change their community and thrive. Throughout their Red Cross journey, for example, they have received extensive training in first aid and water rescue skills that are crucial during emergency responses.“I grew up swimming, so I’m not afraid of water. This is my strength. I believe that if men can do it, women can, too,” Cho said with confidence.They both share a strong belief that women play a key role as leaders in community empowerment. “There’s a saying, ‘Behind every great man is a great woman.”says Phu. “But why behind? There’s a gap. It’s about recognizing the unseen efforts. Not just for our community but for my colleagues and friends, I always try to be the one who can give support so that they can live without relying on anyone. Support should go both ways.”Whether it’s rescuing people during floods or delivering essential supplies, Cho and Pu never hesitate to answer the call for help, be it from the Red Cross branch or other charity groups. Their dedication has made them well-known and respected within the township.“When we deliver food to their homes, they’re already waiting at the door,” says Cho. “Seeing their smiles makes us happy. It’s this Red Cross mindset that keeps us moving forward – to be there for the people who need us the most.”While Cho dreams of becoming a fashion designer and Phu aims to expand her online business, their commitment to humanitarian work remains unwavering.“We are determined to continue volunteering with the Red Cross for as long as we live,” she says.Their dedication has strengthened the Kyite Ma Yaw Township Red Cross Branch, inspiring others to join. Today, their branch has grown to 20 volunteers, with many young women stepping forward to become humanitarians.“I believe that together, we can build a more inclusive and empowered future!” Phu said.How can you get involved?Learn more about volunteering within the IFRC NetworkLearn more about disaster preparedness efforts within the IFRC networkLearn more about International Women’s Day at the IFRCRead our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’How investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas

International Volunteer Day: Standing together to ‘Protect Humanity’ and to honor those who give everything to save others

They gathered in town squares, held candles in city parks, and stood among the ruins of bombed-out buildings. They were Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers from all corners of the globe and they all had one common message: Violence against humanitarian workers must stop.Under the banner of “Protect Humanity,” IFRC member National Societies from around the world came together to raise the alarm about the urgent need to protect humanitarian workers and volunteers.This urgent plea mounted in the days leading up to International Volunteer Day [Dec 5] in hopes of raising attention about what has become one of the most urgent issues facing the humanitarian sector today.“2024 is now the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, especially for local staff and volunteers worldwide,”Nena Stoiljkovic, IFRCUnder Secretary General for Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, told a group of volunteers and staff gathered at IFRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.“This grim milestone has not spared the IFRC network,” she continued. “Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal National Societies have been deeply affected by this devastating violence.”“When a volunteer is killed, it is not just an individual loss; it weakens entire communities. They have families, friends, and colleagues who rely on them. They are the first responders when crises strike, and without them, we cannot help the people who need it most.”Holding candles and photos of the Red Cross and Red Crescent colleagues who had been killed this year up until that point, IFRC staff and volunteers of the Geneva Red Cross stood together in a moment of silence.“Our work is recognized by international humanitarian law, but for some of us, those who respond to complex emergencies, this work is becoming increasingly difficult, dangerous, and deadly,” Geneva Red Cross volunteer representative Brent Turner told the gathering. “For all our sakes, this trend must change.”“As a local volunteer with the Geneva Red Cross, I did not work directly with any of the individuals whom we remember today. Yet, that does not mean that I am unaffected. It is our humanity, our ability to acknowledge human suffering … which allows each of us to recognize our own loss because of these deaths.”Yet another death shakes IFRC networkThe urgency of this call was dramatically emphasized by the fact that only hours after the gathering, the IFRC once again had the sad duty to issueanother statement condemning the killing of a volunteer while trying to provide life-saving services, in this casePalestine Red Crescent volunteer Alaa Al-Derawi.Now, 32 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staffhave died or been killed while performing their humanitarian duties this year – 29 in violent attacks and 3 in accidents.This is among the highest levels of global violence against IFRC network teams that we have ever experienced.As of 5 December , seven Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies have experienced death and loss in 2024: Palestine Red Crescent Society (18 people), Sudanese Red Crescent (eight people), Iranian Red Crescent (two people), Algerian Red Crescent (one person), Ethiopian Red Cross Society (one person), Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of Congo (one person) and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (one person).“I feel deep sorrow over the losses we have witnessed this year,” said Sami Moussa Abu Mustafa, ambulancevolunteer with the Palestine Red Crescent.“Everyone standing in solidarity with us strengthens our resilience, supports our efforts, and ensures the continuity of theservices we provide to communities.”“If you're a first responder, you're an extraordinary human being facing different and often terrifying situations, working tirelessly day and night,” added Jihad Mansour, another Palestine Red Crescent volunteer who vowed to continue his work even while mourning the loss of several colleagues this year.For National Societies based in countries at peace, or where there are fewer risks of death or injury, the Protect Humanity message was a chance to stand in solidarity with those working in dangerous situations, while raising the issue with their national media and political bodies.National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world – including, among others, Palestine, Syria, Venezuela, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovenia and Pakistan -paid tribute to the colleagues lost this year.The International Volunteer Day events were also a chance to honour and celebrate the many positive contributions that volunteers make everyday in their communities.“In the midst of humanitarian crises, volunteers and humanitarian workers do more than provide aid - they become symbols of hope,” said Camelia Șucu, a volunteer and President of the Romanian Red Cross.“The losses we have felt this year highlight our interconnectedness as a global family,”she continued. “That is why their protection is vital, not only for their safety but also for the continuity of support to the most vulnerable. We need global solidarity, authorities to adopt clear measures, and communities to back this mission.”This humanitarian mission is personified by volunteers like Ange Mulanga and her fellow volunteers from the North Kivu Red Cross Branch of the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Every day, they deliver a rapid emergency response to a range of ongoing crises, from volcanic eruptions, to outbreaks of infectious diseeases to mass population movements caused by conflict.In the area where Ange works, there is on-going fighting between government and armed groups, and tensions along ethnic and tribal lines. The places where people are most in need are often the very places where violence between these groups erupts. Humanitarian workers and other civilians are often caught in the crossfire.“It becomes a bit complicated,” says Ange. “Not only because one must prepare the response very quickly with the authorizations [of the government and armed groups], but one must also keep a positive relationship with community leaders and groups that can either facilitate or hinder relief efforts.”Events such as International Volunteer Day, and IFRC’s #ProtectHumanity campaign, aim to ensure support and protection for volunteers like Ange and her colleagues, as well as for the millions of other volunteers around the world doing life-saving work every day.Learn more: Volunteering with usInternational Volunteer DayIn Memoriam

‘Protect Humanity’ event commemorates humanitarians killed this year

Geneva, 5 December - As the world’s largest humanitarian network, the IFRC’s message is clear: violence against humanitarian workers must stop. Even one life lost is far too many. Yet since the beginning of the year, 32 of our volunteers and staff have died or been killed while performing their humanitarian duties – 29 in violent attacks and 3 in accidents. This is among the highest levels of global violence against IFRC network teams that we have ever experienced.The protection of civilians, humanitarians, healthcare workers and facilities is not just a legal and moral obligation, but a pressing concern that demands immediate attention.Seven Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies have experienced death and loss in 2024: Palestine Red Crescent Society (18 people), Sudanese Red Crescent (eight people), Iranian Red Crescent (two people), Algerian Red Crescent (one person), Ethiopian Red Cross Society (one person), Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of Congo (one person) and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (one person).In the lead-up to International Volunteer Day on 5 December, 26 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world – including, among others, Palestine, Syria, Venezuela, Italy, America, Greece, Netherlands, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovenia and Pakistan - are gathering in their cities to pay tribute to the colleagues we have lost this year. Sami Moussa Abu Mustafa, ambulancevolunteer with the Palestine Red Crescent, provided a testimony, along with volunteers from other affected National Societies:“I feel deep sorrow over the losses we have witnessed this year, including the loss of colleagues. Everyone standing in solidarity with us strengthens our resilience, supports our efforts, and ensures the continuity of theservices we provide to communities. What motivates us to persevere is our sense of humanitarian duty, our desire to alleviate the suffering of others, and our commitment to saving lives despite the sacrifices involved.”At a special event held at IFRC Geneva headquarters on 4 December, IFRC staff and volunteers congregatedto highlight the importance of ‘Protecting Humanity’. IFRCUnder Secretary General for Global Relations and Humanitarian Diplomacy,Nena Stoiljkovic, anda Geneva Red Cross volunteer spoke, and the names of the colleagues we have lost this year were read out, with candles, the Red Cross Red Crescent emblems, and pictures of those colleagues as a backdrop, providing a powerful and moving visual.AV materials are also available here from the different National Societies taking part globally (regularly updated as events happen).For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 91 09

International Volunteer Day: In the Philippines, volunteers brought unwavering support in the face of six devastating typhoons

In the course of just two months – October to November 2024 – the Philippines were hit with an unrelenting onslaught of destructive typhoons, each one bringing floods and landslides that devastated communities.With over 10 million people affected, the disasters have left a trail of destruction and heartache. But through it all, volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross Society have been there, in communities around the country, offering support and comfort to those in need.Felisa Buquel, a volunteer from the Isabela chapter has been out there every day, working in evacuation centres, talking, listening and conducting damage assessments to ensure that people get the support they need to recover and rebuild. As we mark International Volunteer Day [December 5], she shares her story of perseverance, compassion and courage“My journey with the Philippine Red Cross began in school, where my classmates and I were encouraged to volunteer. We first got involved on World CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) Day, where we were taught the basics. During the training, we thought, 'Wow, they're so skilled even though they’re so young!' After that, I thought, 'I want to know how this volunteering works; I want to try it myself.'I realized that being a Red Cross volunteer isn't just about showing up—there’s a lot of training involved. So at first, it felt like just a small effort, but eventually, it became more challenging and meaningful.Every time I joined a deployment, the thought would cross my mind: ‘What if something happens, and I don’t make it back to my family?’After volunteering at the Marikina chapter for a while, I was asked if I wanted to join a deployment. My first deployment took me to the eruption of the Taal volcano [in the Province of Batangas].My first task was preparing hot meals. I didn’t even know how to cook properly back then! But in the Red Cross, as a leader once told me, you need to be multitasking—you can’t just know one thing.I’ll never forget the Taal deployment. I still remember the ashfall—it was so intense, I couldn’t breathe. I was shaking, and I thought, 'Lord, is this it? Will I be okay?'Every time I joined a deployment, the thought would cross my mind: ‘What if something happens, and I don’t make it back to my family?’But when I see the people in the community who really need help, it feels like everything else doesn’t matter anymore. When I see how much they’re suffering, I can set aside my fears and just do what I can to help.With the typhoons, I have been supporting in a lot of different ways, especially in the evacuation centres. What’s important is that people know they’re not just a number, a statistic, to us.We genuinely want to hear how they are feeling and do what we can to help. For children, the impact of the back-to-back storms has been especially overwhelming. Every time it rains, even just a bit, I can see they get scared—they’re afraid it will start to flood again.When I see the children enjoying themselves, I feel relieved. But sometimes, when they start getting bored or upset, that’s when I know I need to step in and come up with a new activity or strategy to keep their spirits up.Singing and dancing to songs like ‘Baby Shark’ may seem simple but seeing the children happy made it all worthwhile. Their joy reminds me why we do this work—to bring comfort, even in small ways, when everything else seems lost.While we bring essential supplies, I believe what makes us unique is that we bring support and comfort too. One person said, ‘You became like family to us.’ They felt cared for and helped in a way they hadn't before.Their joy reminds me why we do this work—to bring comfort, even in small ways, when everything else seems lost.In the end, I’m proud to be with the Red Cross. I'm proud of the deployments I’ve been part of, and I’m grateful to my mentors at the Red Cross who have been like second parents to me, always supporting me in my studies and personal growth.When someone expresses their gratitude, saying, 'Thank you, ma’am, for coming,' even when you haven’t given them much—just a simple greeting, asking them how they are—that’s something you can’t forget. Those moments when you can show them someone cares, that’s the time I realize what volunteering is all about.”Philippine Red Cross has deployed over 4,000 volunteers to support communities in response to the six typhoons that hit the country from October to November 2024. As their work continues, the IFRC has launched anEmergency Appeal to support the work of Philippine Red Cross in helping communities to recover and rebuild.

International Volunteer Day: Every day, volunteers like Ange bring ‘a first, life-saving response’

In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ange Mulanga and a team of fellow volunteers from the North Kivu Red Cross Branch deliver a rapid emergency response to a range of ongoing crises on a near daily basis.No matter what the emergency, they are there. They come to provide first-aid, water and shelter services, like they did for peopledisplaced by a volcanic eruption as happened in 2021. Or to help stop the spread ofMpox, Covid-19 or other infectious diseases, as they did multiple times in recent years.These days, Ange and her team are most often bringing critical support to some of the nearly 1.7 million people in her region that have been displaced by the ongoing, internal conflict.“After going out in the communities to make an assessment, we work rapidly to bring a first, life-saving response,” says Mulanga, a volunteer for the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (RCDRC) North Kivu Branch.“Generally, it’s a question of essential items. Household goods and bedding and medicine for the health centers, which are in the midst of receiving the displaced people.”But doing this job is rarely easy.In the area where Ange works, there is on-going fighting between government and armed groups, and tensions along ethnic and tribal lines. The places where people are most in need are often the very places where violence between these groups erupts. Humanitarian workers and other civilians are often caught in the crossfire.To bring humanitarian services to people living in these areas, Red Cross teams liaise with both government authorities and armed groups to ensure safe passage, and they communicate with local leaders so that everyone understands the Red Cross mission is purely humanitarian, independent and neutral.“It becomes a bit complicated,” says Ange.“Not only because one must prepare the response very quickly with the authorizations [of the government and armed groups], but one must also keep a positive relationship with community leaders and groups that can either facilitate or hinder relief efforts.“Sometimes it feels like we are going from one country to another,” she adds, referring to the work of gaining authorizations to pass roadblocks and enter areas controlled by different groups.One of manyAnge is not alone. She is just one of many dedicated volunteers in the DRC – and around the world – who take on critical jobs of helping people in very difficult situations. As the humanitarian world marks International Volunteer Day on Dec 5, the IFRC pays tribute to volunteers such as Ange who employ incredible professionalism, persistence and compassion as they bring humanity to people in exteremely vulnerable situations.In the case of North Kivu, the region has long been impacted by humanitarian crises, including violence, in neighboring Rwanda and nearby Burundi.In February 2024, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal following an increasing number of attacks in eastern DRC that led to a new round of large scale displacement. The appeal seeks 50 million Swiss Francs to support the DRC Red Cross in its provision of food assistance, health services, water, sanitation and hygiene and protection services to 500,000 displaced people and their host communities in North and South Kivu.Fighting in this area has severely hindered people's ability to access and cultivate crop lands, get supplies and deliver goods. Inflation has been further aggravated by the depreciation of the Congolese franc, leading to substantial price increases for food.Overcrowded camps for the people who have been displaced have left people in extremely desparate conditions. Women represent some 60 per cent of the total displaced population, and children under 5 account about 18 per cent.Sadly, volunteers such as Ange don’t always get the full support they need to carry out their work. The emergency appeal remains significantly underfunded, putting much of the planned emergency response in jeopardy, while various factors continue to get in the way of the volunteers’ work.Thanks to the reputation of the Red Cross, the power of the Red Cross brand and the dedications of the people like Ange, the branch volunteers do manage to make their response.“But it’s not always easy because unfortunately, on the ground, there are people who don’t understand that we are there just to help the displaced people,” Ange notes. In a situation in which nearly everyone is on one side or another, it is hard for many to believe that there are some people who remain independent, impartial and neutral.“Sometimes they ask us, ‘Are you really neutral?’ ” Ange continues.‘We couldn't touch the children’In addition to negotiating their way past roadblocks, doing the hard work of delivering relief supplies, setting up water stations or delivering health messages, they must also work constantly to battle the constant flow of misinformation.A case in point was the Covid-19 pandemic. “In my part of the world, people thought COVID-19 came because of Western people,” Ange noted. “So when we went to the villages to talk about COVID-19, and how to avoid it, and people saw our cars, they thought we were bringing them COVID.”This perception is somewhat understandable. Each time there is an outbreak, health and humanitarian workers arrive, often in rugged, white utility vehicles emblazoned with logos (including the Red Cross, to deliver vaccines, hygiene services and other interventions.Ange recalls when Red Cross teams went to one community to address malnutrition, some parents were wary of the Red Cross workers.“We couldn't touch the children,” Ange recalled. “Even the children started crying. We understood that to them, us touching the children was meaning us bringing COVID and other diseases including Ebola. Because even when Ebola struck, we were among the organizations that were very active in responding to that epidemic.”Addressing this challenge is not easy. A good portion of Red Cross and IFRC actions in situations like this one falls under something calledCommunity Engagement and Accountability, or CEA, in which volunteers listen to community concerns and develop regular feedback mechanisms to show people their concerns are being heard and addressed.The volunteers also take the time necessary to explain to people, through door-to-door visits, community gatherings and radio programmes, what the Red Cross is all about.“Communications is key,” Ange says. “But because there are no cell phone connections, no internet in many parts of North Kivu, getting the message out is difficult.”With these and other challenges that face volunteers every day, it is critical that they get the support, respect and protection they need and deserve.To learn more about volunteering within the IFRC network and our efforts to ensure respect for impartial, neutral humanitarian work please visit the following links:#ProtectHumanityInMemoriam: A list of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers killed in the line of duty.International Volunteers Day

‘Climate-preneurship’: One young Ghanian’s response to the worsening impacts of climate change

Climate change is hurting everyone in Ghana, but it’s hitting young people particularly hard, says Abudi Razak, volunteer and national youth president for the Ghana Red Cross. Droughts in the north and floods down south mean that crop yields and incomes are low, while the cost of living is skyrocketing. Young people see their futures evaporating. Razak’s response is to motivate young people take matters into their own hands. One example is something he calls “climate-preneurship”; projects that earn income while solving climate-related challenges. Razak was recently honored by the IFRC with its highest humanitarian award, named after its founder Henry Davison.

New IFRC Youth Commission leader: Young volunteers want real influence, not ‘box-checking’ exercises

Young people do not fit into “cookie-cutter” stereotypes, says Michelle Chew, IFRC’s newly elected Youth Commission Chair. “Young people are very diverse and only by valuing and accepting all forms of young people can we engage communities properly.” While young people are gaining influence, she says efforts to engage with youth can seem like “box-checking exercises” that end up turning young people away. As someone with experience as a front-line volunteer with Malaysian Red Crescent ambulance crews, she says she’ll do her best to ensure the voices of young, community-based first responders are represented in the strategies, plans and decisions made by IFRC’s Governing Board.

Climate change, economic uncertainty and the future of volunteering: IFRC youth leader takes on the hot issues impacting young people

When Bas van Rossum was elected to represent youth on the IFRC Governing Board, he was the youngest person to ever serve in that role. Now as he steps down as president of IFRC’s Youth Commission, he talks about the challenges that defined his tenure. “Young people are perhaps the closest to the front lines,” he says in this special episode, recorded during the IFRC Youth Forum and released on the first day of the IFRC General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. “So it's really important that we listen to young volunteers and that we give them space to really shape the direction we're heading.”

Harnessing Technology for Humanitarian Efforts

In a world where digital solutions are crucial, the IFRC, the Spanish Red Cross, French Red Cross and Kenya Red Cross Society are leading the way in transforming how volunteering data is managed globally. Powered by CiviCRM, our Volunteer Data Management System (VDMS) streamlines and enhances the efficiency of volunteer operations across National Societies.

‘We are ready’: For hospital workers in Southern Lebanon, years of training face another test as conflict arrives at their doorstep

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East, sparked by the Israel-Gaza conflict, has sent shockwaves throughout the region, affecting neighboring countries and communities far beyond the initial conflict zone.In the city of Sidon in Lebanon’s South Governorate, staff and volunteers at the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s Al-Hamshari hospital have been preparing for worst-case scenarios, as bombings occur regularly right on their doorstep and Lebanon’s southern region becomes increasingly affected by the escalation of hostilities.Al-Hamshari is one of two Palestine Red Crescent hospitals in south Lebanon, serving Palestinian refugees and people of all nationalities. It’s also the largest of all five PRCS hospitals in Lebanon, meaning it is a crucial healthcare facility, especially in times of conflict, when its services are needed the most.This volatile environment has compelled the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon to brace for a surge in need, mobilizing resources and being on full alert to respond to the unfolding crisis.“We have more than 300 volunteers and staff members who have been receiving trainings as part of our emergency plan,”says Dr. Ziad El Ainen, Director of Emergency and Ambulance service in the Palestine Red Crescent’s Lebanon branch.A significant part of that training has been done with the Lebanese Red Cross, which also has significant experience responding to mass casualty events. “[Hospital personnel] have been well trained by the Lebanese Red Cross to respond effectively in times of conflict,” El Ainen says.To bolster its capacity to respond effectively to the escalating conflict, PRCS’s Al-Hamshari hospital initiated a comprehensive training program, which encompassed a range of essential skills, including basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, emergency echocardiography, mass casualty triage, and advanced first aid techniques. These trainings equipped the hospital's personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate the impact of conflict-related injuries and ensure timely and appropriate medical intervention.One person who has benefited from these trainings and is geared up to serve his people, especially during this conflict, is 58-year-old Hossam Sabha, a first responder who has been with the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon for almost 40 years.“As the Emergency Medical Services unit in the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon, we have taken all necessary precautions and steps to respond to any emergency,” Hossam says.“We’ve completed our trainings, and we are ready to mobilize at any time. We have an emergency plan in place for the South and Beirut, and all our teams are on stand-by. We are not afraid."It’s not just Hossam who’s driven by a sense of humanity. His own daughter, Saja, has inherited her father’s fearlessness. The conflict will not stop her from delivering life-saving services, she says.“I’m not afraid at all. I come to the hospital every day because I want to help other people, including my colleagues,” says 22-year-old Saja, who volunteers at Al-Hamshari hospital and is studying to become a nurse. Volunteering, she reckons, is unlike anything she’s experienced.“When you volunteer, you’re exposed to so many people, you get to see what’s happening in the real world. There’s nothing quite like the look of gratitude and relief on a person’s face after you have provided them with the help that they need.”There is no shame in feeling afraid, however, and hospital volunteers and staff are also trained to support each other in coping with their emotional reactions to the events unfolding around them. Saja works closely with 20-year-old Nagham Chanaa – the youngest intern in Al-Hamshari hospital – who's pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.Despite the stressful nature of her job and the country’s turbulent situation, Nagham somehow manages to smile through it all.“I’m someone who’s very anxious, actually,”she says. “I felt very afraid when I heard an explosion a few days ago — which turned out to be fake air raids — but everyone at the hospital came to me and tried to comfort me. I get a lot of mental support from my colleagues here. We support each other, and we convey that support to our patients as well.”While medical professionals like Nagham and Saja are essential in providing emergency care, anyone can contribute to their community during times of need. All it takes is a caring heart and a willingness to volunteer.19-year-old Ahmad Marwan El Issa, who’s pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree, is a prime example of that. He volunteers for the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Lebanon as an Emergency Medical Technician, and he does so knowing the risks involved.“The situation is scary because of its unpredictability,” he says. “We don’t know when an airstrike will hit and where it will hit, but we are ready to serve those in need, no matter what.”

Taking on the ‘toxic’ hero narrative: Red Cross youth volunteer leader says it’s time to change the way we speak about and work with young volunteers

It’s quite common to refer to volunteers and first-responders as ‘heroes’. After all, they often risk their lives to save others. But in some cases, can that hero narrative do more harm than good? Ukraine Red Cross volunteer and IFRC Youth Commission member Maryna Kozhedub answers unequivocally ‘yes’, especially for young volunteers. Calling them heroes in conflict situations puts unreal expectations and pressure on people who are also impacted by crisis. “I am absolutely against hero narratives,” she says. “I'm about the narrative that volunteers work hard, but they are humans who have needs and should be protected and cared for, because this pressure would be enormous for anyone.”

Stand with us to Protect Humanity

Violence against humanitarian workers and volunteers must stop. But we can’t make it stop without your help. The Protect Humanity campaign needs you – your voice, your involvement and your action – to help us put an end to violence against those who risk their lives to help others. We must protect the first responders and volunteers who give everything to protect us. Together, we can #ProtectHumanity.

‘We will be there for them’: In communities most vulnerable to storms, volunteers rise to the challenge

In the Cox’s Bazar camps of Bangladesh, where cyclones pose a perpetual threat, a remarkable group of individuals emerges as the unsung heroes of disaster preparedness and response.Numbering around 3,300, these Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers serve as the bedrock of community readiness and emergency response within the camp settlement.Dil Mohammed, aged 46, is one of them. "People know we will be there for them if they need us during any disaster," he says.Trained and prepared by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Dil Mohammed and his fellow volunteers play a pivotal role in disseminating cyclone early warning information and facilitating anticipatory actions to reduce the unprecedented loss and damage that cyclones can bring.The cyclone seasons in Bangladesh, spanning from April to May and October to November, are periods of heightened alertness. Since 2018, the volunteers have received training on disaster preparedness and the camp’s early warning system, as well as safety gear and early warning equipment.As cyclone Mocha approached in May 2023, for example, these volunteers sprang into action. Dil Mohammed recalls their swift response: "When cyclone signal 1 was announced, we immediately got the news and started verbal messaging among the people living in my camp. After receiving the cyclone signal 4 announcement, we hoisted 1 cyclone signal flag and disseminated signal information through megaphones across the camp."While male volunteers focused on informing the broader community, their female counterparts played a vital role in raising awareness among the female members of the camp community."We reached out door-to-door, making a tremendous impact in our community, where 52 per cent of the population is female," says Dil Kayas, a female volunteer from camp 8W.Another woman volunteer in Camp 7, Minara sais "the learnings enabled me to support my own community people during their need".Along with other volunteers, Minara helps facilitate block-level awareness sessions, ensuring that even those who were unable to attend large-scale events receive vital cyclone preparedness information.Minara also used her first-aid training to provide immediate assistance to her injured nephew, showcasing the real-world impact of capacity enhancement initiatives within the camps.As the cyclone threat escalated, the volunteers doubled their efforts. Dil Mohammed explains, "When we heard that signal 8 was announced, we hoisted 3 signal flags and started using sirens, megaphones, mosque microphones, and every available communication tool to ensure that every camp resident knew about the impending danger."Recognizing that women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable during disasters, the volunteers devised a plan to ensure their safety. They maintained a list of households with “extremely vulnerbale individuals” and once the first flag was hoisted, they visited every such household, offering reassurance and readiness to help.In one instance, a pregnant woman approached the volunteers, expressing concern about her fragile shelter's ability to withstand the cyclone. The volunteers, in coordination with site management, arranged her relocation to a nearby family's shelter, prioritizing her safety and well-being.Dil Kayas and Dil Mohammed continued their efforts, using megaphones to disseminate signal information. They advised community members to secure their shelters and protect important documents in plastic bags.They also highlighted the availability of communal shelters for emergency use. As a result of their messages, the community actively participated in securing their shelters, with women playing a proactive role.After the cyclone's passag, they swiftly transitioned to post-cyclone responsibilities, conducting assessments to measure the extent of the damage in their respective camps and identifying those in need of emergency assistance. They also engaged in the demanding task of clearing roads and paths, ensuring access and communication within the camps.“After the landfall of cyclone Mocha, we started cleaning the roads in the camp blocks,” says Mahabu Alam, a young volunteer from camp 1W. “Trees were uprooted, debris scattered, hindering accessibility."Similar stories unfolding in other settlementsCox’s Bazar is not the only place where people displaced from Myanmar are making a difference in their own communities.In some cases, the volunteers include people whose families came to Bangladesh from Mryanmar in earlier years.Inthe Basan Char settlement, Bangladesh Red Crescent volunteerJafor Alamwheels a bicycle full of tools used for cleaning debris from water canals. If these canals get blocks during heavy rains, the result can be sudden flooding.Volunteers like Nur Hossain, meanwhile, play an important role in ensuring the maintenance and functionality of essential shelter infrastructure. An experienced foreman, Hossain has worked in various places in Chittagong, one the country’s largest cities.In addition to maintaining shelters, to ensure their strength and safety, he organizes awareness sessions, and resolves issues that arise at the community level under the guidance of the BDRCS team.Many also have considerable expertise in their fields.Abdul Hamid, who lives with his wife and children in Bhasan Char,joined the BDRCS Bhasan Char Operation as a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) volunteer in 2021.Due to his technical expertise and his experience with biogas initiatives, he became site-management support volunteer responsible for maintaining biogas services in Bhasan Char.In this way, Abdul Hamid plays an important role in ensuring the maintenance and functionality of essential biogas infrastructure, contributing significantly to his community's sustainability efforts.Through their actions, all these volunteers not only protect their fellow residents but also empower their communities to face cyclones and associated hazards with resilience and readiness.Story by Farhan Arafin KarimPhotos: Humayra TasnimWith editing by Al-Shahriar Rupam and Rachel Punitha

#PassTheTorch: Volunteers from around the world gather in Solferino, Italy to ignite the spirit of humanity

Thousands of Red Cross and Red Crescent members and volunteers gathered in Solferino, Italy, on Saturday, 22 June, for a moving, torchlit procession called the “Fiaccolata,” which follows the path Henry Dunant and local volutneer nurses took as they responded to the Battle of Solferino in northern Italy 165 years ago today.It was that battle, and the suffering Dunant witnessed among thousands of injured soldiers, that inspired his years-long mission to create a neutral and impartial humanitarian corps of volunteers who would help all people suffering due to conflict.‘Zealous, devoted volunteers’Having witnessed the horrific aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, Dunant was also inspired to write A Memory of Solferino and later set about a process that led to the creation of the Geneva Conventions and the establishment of the International Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863.“Would it not be possible,” he wrote, “in time of peace and quiet to form relief societies for the purpose of having care given to the wounded in wartime by zealous, devoted and thoroughly qualified volunteers?”A week of festivitiesThe weeklong festivities include speakers, a learning academy, entertainment, group events and guided tours which culminate in the Fiaccolata.The Fiaccolata route retraces the steps of the women from the town of Castiglione delle Stiviere in the battle's aftermath, as they transported 600 soldiers from Solferino to a nearby church in Castiglione delle Stiviere.Henry Dunant organized these women to provide first aid and care to the many wounded left laying on that battlefield. They paid no attention to a soldier’s nationality, and thus laid the foundation for neutral and impartial humanitarian action.This celebration of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement in Solferino has been held every year since 1992. For the IFRC and its 191 member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, the anniversary is a time to re-ignight the flame of humanity, refresh our humanitarian drive to help others and to thank the 16 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who give their time, their passions and who often risk their lives in order to save the lives of others.Learn more about the Battle of Solferino and this weeks events.

World Malaria Day: Volunteer goes the last mile to save baby boy’s life in Sierra Leone

Baindu Momoh is a mother from Gbaigibu in Kailahun district, eastern Sierra Leone. Her village is so small and remote it doesn’t show up on most maps—but that doesn’t stop the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society from looking out for the health of her community.In October 2023, Baindu came rushing to her local Red Cross volunteer, Joseph. Something was deeply wrong. Her baby boy, Senesie, had a fever, was sweating and vomiting, and had a puffy face and eyes. Baindu feared for his life.Thankfully, Joseph is part of the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) and is trained in how to detect, report, and respond to disease threats—meaning he knew exactly what to do.“I have established strong relationships with both the health facility and the community. When the child’s mother reached out to me in distress, I immediately recognized the urgency of the situation,” explains Joseph.In the absence of timely local ambulance services, Joseph rushed Baindu and her baby on his motorbike to the nearest Community Health Post in Woroma, where Senesie was diagnosed with severe malaria and anaemia. Baindu was told that, to survive, Senesie needed an urgent blood transfusion—only available at the Kailahun Government Hospital, some 30 miles away.Without hesitation, Joseph offered to help, explaining:“As a trained volunteer with a humanitarian organization, my community is my responsibility.”But in this part of the world, getting to the hospital is easier said than done.On his motorbike, with Baindu and Senesie on the back, Joseph embarked on the long, bumpy road to Kailahun—carefully navigating the treacherous terrain and crossing rivers along the way. Thankfully, they arrived safely and Senesie was quickly treated by hospital staff. “Since I could help, I couldn’t let him die. So I made the decision to pay for the treatment because the parents couldn’t afford the cost,” explains Joseph.Thanks to Joseph’s quick action and support, Senesie made a full recovery from malaria. After a week in hospital, Baindu and Senesie returned to their home in Gbaigibu. Joseph continues to check in on them to make sure they’re doing well.“Joseph risked his life to save my son’s. Upon reaching the Kailahun Government Hospital, he paid for a blood transfusion that the medical practitioners had recommended. To me, Joseph is a true lifesaver who helped us in our time of need,” says Baindu.Baindu isn’t the only person in Gbaigibu to be supported by Joseph. He regularly engages people in his community on how to prevent, detect, and respond to diseases—such as malaria, measles, and yellow fever—so they can stay healthy and safe.Fomba Lamin, head of the Woroma Community Health Post, feels Joseph plays an invaluable role in encouraging village members to seek health support.“We thank the CP3 programme, it is improving our referral rate. Community members we refer in the past did not go to Kailahun for obvious reasons: the means of transportation. But with people such as Joseph, who encourage our people to seek health care in Kailahun, we see the reduction of death in our community,” says Fomba.Although malaria is preventable and treatable, the death toll from the disease remains high for children under 5 and pregnant women, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach communities. Key challenges to controlling malaria include a lack of reliable access to health services and prevention supplies, a decrease in global funding for malaria, and a widespread and increasing rise in insecticide resistance in malaria-endemic countries. Recent innovations, such as the approval from WHO of new insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to address insecticide resistance and two new malaria vaccines for children, are positive steps to tackling the disease. Through programmes like CP3, the IFRC is supporting Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide to plan and deliver high-quality malaria prevention activities, such as:Supporting ministries of health and their partners to plan and implement distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets through mass campaigns or continuous distribution channels. Administering preventive treatment to children as part of seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaigns.Promoting individual preventive practices through social and behaviour change activities to encourage people to sleep under a bed net every night of the year, seek prompt and early healthcare in case of fever or malaria-related symptoms, and attend antenatal care for malaria prevention.This story from Sierra Leone is a great example of how National Societies are supporting communities to prevent and seek treatment for malaria, encouraging them to implement practices that will protect them from the disease, and improving their access to health care—even in remote and isolated communities.The IFRC also houses and chairs the Alliance for Malaria Prevention, a global partnership that supports ministries of health and their financial and implementing partners with the planning and implementation of ITN distribution, primarily through mass campaigns. ITNs remain the most effective tool to protect at-risk communities from malaria. --Joseph, the volunteer mentioned in this article, is part of the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3). Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the programme supports communities, National Societies, and other partners in seven countries to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats. If you enjoyed this story and would like to learn more:Visit the malaria page on IFRC.orgVisit the Alliance for Malaria Prevention websiteSign up to the IFRC’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness NewsletterFollow the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society on X, Facebook and LinkedIn

Ani Gevorgyan: Communities and youth should drive the global climate-change agenda

Ani Gevorgyan started wearing the red vest when she was 14 years old and she signed up to bring joy, art and activity into the lives of refugee children. Two years later, the young volunteer for the Armenian Red Cross was organizing “eco-runs” in which people combined physical activity with environmental clean-ups. Now, as an IFRC Climate Champion, she spreads the word about climate action at high-level summits like COP-28, where she says local communities and youth need to be driving the agenda.

The power of youth: In Vanuatu, young volunteers keep the water flowing

Jean Philipe Clement, 58, stands ankle deep in the river that causes him and his community many sleepless nights.As he slowly sifts through the debris left behind by the recent floods, he feels a sense of bitterness thinking about the next rainfall, knowing it will come sooner or later — likely bringing further flooding in his community.He grips the handle of his trusty cane knife with one hand, and holds the stem of a tree branch with the other. As he swings the sharp metal blade at the base of the branch, a cracking sound can be heard as the branch is detached from the tree. It’s the only time the sounds of the mosquitoes are drowned out.“We are trimming some of the treetops so that the sunlight can pass through and dry up whatever water is left after the floods,” he explains.“The main cause of the flooding is the improper disposal of rubbish. People do not throw their rubbish in the right place and it’s their carelessness that is blocking the drainage and causing the flooding.”“The stagnant water has also resulted in breeding of mosquitoes.”‘No other option’While the water has receded over time, it is nothing compared to the terrifying experience water pouring into doorways in nearby Solwe, a community of 900 people located in Luganville on Santo island – a 45-minute flight from Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.“When it rains, the water comes from the hills and the plantations. Then it meets in the middle where Solwe is located. Because of the debris clogging up the river, this has disrupted the flow of water.”“There is no outlet for the water and, as a result, the water has nowhere to go and levels start to rise and make its way inland, right to the houses.”Once the flooding has reached homes, children are not able to travel to school as the roads are underwater.“Most times the water levels reach as high as the windows of the houses. People have to enter and exit their homes using wooden planks,” says Philipe.“They have no other option.”Youth taking actionJust as his hopes for finding a solution for the frequent flooding was ebbing, Vanuatu Red Cross youth volunteers decided to take action.Vanuatu Red Cross youth volunteers in Solwe completed training in ‘Y-Adapt’, a curriculum for young people consisting of games and activities designed to help them understand climate change and to take practical action to adapt to the changing climate in their community.From this, they took the initiative to help people like Philipe prepare for the next rainfall – by clearing debris from the river and trimming treetops to let sunlight dry up stagnant water.Through the support of the IFRC and Japanese Red Cross, the volunteers completed the Y-Adapt programme and were able to purchase a brush cutter, chain saw, rakes, wheelbarrow and gloves to help with their clean-up campaign.“If we continue to clean the debris that is disrupting the flow of water and make new drainages, the water will flow out to the river and not straight into people's homes,” says Tiffanie Boihilan, 27, one of the Red Cross volunteers living in Solwe.Y-Adapt encourages youth to focus on low cost interventions that don’t require large-scale investment or technology to implement but that can nonetheless reduce the impacts of extreme-weather events.‘If we are lucky’In nearby Mango Station, a similar story is unfolding, though under very different conditions. Here, the sky is blue and the ground is dry. Heads turn to the skies to see the slightest hint of a dark cloud that might bring rain.On days like this, vegetable gardens are battered under the heat of the midday sun.Animals seek out shade wherever they can. Empty buckets in each hand as community members set foot on the dry, dusty terrain bound for the nearest creek – an hour away.Eric Tangarasi, 51, is the chief of Mango station. Married with six children, he says he hopes it will rain soon. Rain will replenish the sole water tank serving more than 900 people.Mango station relies on the public water supply, but that has been inconsistent. On some days, there is no water at all. With the nearest river about an hour walk through rough terrain, the best and safest option for this community is rain water.“In the community, there is a big challenge for water,” says Eric. “Sometimes there is no water for 2 or 3 days. Sometimes it can be as long as one month.”“If we are lucky, the water supply comes on at around midnight until 2am, that’s when each household stores enough water for cooking and drinking.”"Currently we have only one water tank for the community, and with over 900 people living here, we must use the tank sparingly making sure we leave enough for the others to use.”Once again, the Vanuatu Red Cross youth volunteers swung into action.As part of their Y-Adapt activities (and again with support from the IFRC and Japanese Red Cross), the Red Cross youth volunteers in Mango began to address the issues of water scarcity at the community level.“There are 17 people living with disabilities and it is difficult for them when the water runs out,” says Pascalina Moltau, 26, is a Vanuatu Red Cross volunteer who lives in Mango community and has been part of this project from the start. “They cannot travel to the nearby creek as accessibility is a huge challenge, it is not safe for them.”“We also must think of the elderly people. They are not strong enough to withstand the difficult terrain to get to the nearby creek and then carry water all the way back.”After discussions within the community to find out best course of action, they purchased an additional 10,000-litre water tank to supplement the existing 6,000-litre water tank. The volunteers, together with the community, began their Y-Adapt implementation plan by building the foundation for the water tank.“This 10,000 litre water tank will help the community with the growing demand for water,” Eric says. “We do not have to wait until midnight to store water now and we can be more able to manage water.”