CRS and Palestine Red Crescent Society sign GRRAM Partnership Agreement

In late January 2012, Catholic Relief Services and the Palestine Red Crescent Society signed a partnership agreement for GRRAM.

During the last two and a half years, PRCS used its proven experience to implement DRR projects through its Disaster Management Services Unit (DMU). The DMU engages the local community by raising awareness on disasters, building the capacity of response teams, and attending to the basic needs of conflict victims and groups affected by disasters in the Gaza Strip.

Since 2010, it has also implemented a DRR project in partnership with international organizations and five communities in Beit Lahia, located in the northern area of the Gaza Strip, to implement community-based DRR initiatives aligned with the results of the VCA needs assessment. PRCS has a wide database of trained staff and volunteers who have received training in a variety of specializations, including emergency response, rapid damage assessment, camp and shelter management, emergency health services, and logistical support. These trainings have helped PRCS to effectively implement different projects. CRS looks forward to this partnership and refining roles and responsibilities in February 2012.