RedR

RedR in Sri Lanka has been working with Malteser International to develop security procedures and policies within the organisation. Country Co-ordinator Lawrence Oduma attended a Security Management Workshop in November 2006 and has gone on to make significant improvements to the organisation’s security strategy.

Malteser International implements programmes across Sri Lanka in areas such as Emergency Relief, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Children and Youth. In the past year this has included the rehabilitation of three orphanages, 255 newly-built houses and 883 rainwater harvesting tanks.

Country Coordinator Lawrence Oduma commented: “I attended a RedR Security Management Workshop in November 2006 and, since then, our approach to and awareness of security as an organisation has improved enormously.  The training made me realise that security is part and parcel of normal work of each individual.  It wasn’t centralised before and now it is something we discuss in every monthly meeting.”

He noted: “As a result of the training we have changed our security plan and know the importance of keeping it up to date.  About half of Malteser International’s staff has now attended training and it has been very beneficial. The team feel more confident in implementing the programme.”

RedR Security Focal Point Alain Ondias Souna noted: “Aid workers face different risks depending on factors such as race and gender.  General threats include harassment at checkpoints, land mines and hartals (demonstrations).  In the training, participants have to identify the threats themselves and come up with ways to recognise and mitigate risk.”

Malteser International has 54 staff, including 12 expatriates, working across the island - including the trouble spots of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. As the conflict between the government and the LTTE continues to worsen, the organisation has worked hard to develop and implement effective security guidelines.  

Lawrence also noted: "As Head of agency and responsible for security, I learnt much about the best way to communicate quickly on a country level and much about averting risk.  Generally we feel much more secure and are now part of the security networks island-wide."

For further information on Malteser International please visit www.malteser-international.org