General AssemblyEmpowering Target Groups

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal

Disaster TrainingClimate Change

First Aid Instructors for RCSS

Blood Donor Day 2008Red Cross at Inter-School Athletics Competition

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

JUNE 2008

P10

P12

P13

2

Dear Friends and Volunteers

In this edition of Coup de Coeur we are featuring the continuous efforts of the Society to further meet the expectations of our beneficiaries. The programmes and activities of the RCSS tries to prepare our dedicated volunteers by giving them the skills and knowledge needed whilst at the same time having them perform the various duties they volunteered for.

The complexities of our modern society pressures us into being able to offer multiple services and support; be it first aid, road safety, tsunami, thunderstorms, landslide, domestic fires, HIV/AIDS, Blood Donation, dissemination of humanitarian values amongst others. The Red Cross Society is now at the forefront in tackling such issues and events. This is due to the dynamism of the Society’s National Committee, management team , sponsors, members and volunteers.

This newsletter tries to take stock and share with our partners the journey of humanity our volunteers deals with everyday. Every single day volunteers of the Red Cross are in action. The few pages of Coup de Coeur is not enough to reflect their good deeds. Nevertheless they deliver, compensated by the satisfaction of having served their community or save a life.

This is what volunteerism is all about.

Produced by the Red Cross Society of SeychellesP.O.Box 53, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles Tel:324646 - Fax:321663

Email: redcross@seychelles.sc www.redcross.seychelles.sc

Printed by XPRESS

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

thThe General Assembly met on 8 March, 2008. One of the main items on the agenda was the elections of members for the new national committee as per the requirements of the NS' statutes. However, as only one application had been received for the candidature of an ordinary member, the election of members for the National

thcommittee was deferred to 12 April, whereby an Extraordinary General Meeting was held to elect members of the NC and appoint members of the newly created Finance commission.- Mrs Colette Servina and Mrs Luciana

Lagrenade were re-elected as president and vice-president respectively for a third, consecutive term of two years.

- Mr Ronny Renaud was elected as vice-president for the first time

The elected ordinary members were: - Mrs. Daniella Larue - Mrs Barbara Andre- Ms Rosie Bistoquet (new NC member) - Mr Ian Woodcock (new NC member)

For the first time this year, the Finance and Risk Commission came into effect. The composition of the FC commission is as follows:- Mr. Dolor Ernesta (Chairperson and also

sits on the NC)- Ms. Bernadette Julie (member) and - Ms. Veronique Adeline (member). The Finance and Risk Commission is an advisory commission to the National Committee and is composed of a Chairperson and two members. One of its functions is to comment on the handling and investment of the available funds and to make recommendations to the General Assembly and to the National Committee on any financial measure which it deems appropriate.

During the session of the General Assembly the following were also adopted: - Audited Reports Years 2005 & 2006 - Revised statutes - Strategic Plan 2006 - 2010,- Volunteer Management Policy- Communications Policy - 2008 proposed budget- Revision of membership contribution

from SR 25 to SR 100 for an adult and from SR 10 to SR 25 for a youth member.

The General Assembly was attended by the head of the IFRC Sub-Regional Office for the Indian Ocean Islands, Ms Susanna Cunningham.

Mrs Jeannine Grandcourt, RCSS Secretary General.

RCSS General Assembly

eL 29 juin 2008 a été une journée

b j i

mémora le pour moi, car 'a aquis de

e

nouvelles compétences qui me s rvirons

s ' ledan n importe quel situation

eu d

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patie t avec moi et de m avoir introduit

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auquels j'ai énormém nt apprécié.

Randal Madeleine, Montreal

Canada.

Mon xperie e e nc

l j r u 29 ue ou d j inon x r e

M e pe ienc

l jour du 29 juine

3

Learning First Aid

Youth volunteers during a marathon

Providing support

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

“Empowering Target Groups, To Deal With Their Needs, From A Holistic Perspective,

Thus Reducing Their Vulnerability”

Such was one of the main objectives of the collaboration programme between the Spanish Red Cross and the Red Cross Society of Seychelles, for the execution of the “Disaster preparedness and response strategy” project, which started some two and a half years ago.

The assistance received from the Spanish RC ranged from capacity building; training in disaster preparedness and response both locally and in the Indian Ocean region; training and provision of equipment and materials for our water safety programme; HIV/AIDS prevention sensitisation; road safety promotion, amongst others.

It was indeed a challenging experience to implement all the activities programmed under this agreement within the required time-frame; however, it was above all, an enriching experience for all stakeholders and the target groups ear-marked to benefit from this project, were all served to the best of our abilities.

We have indeed fulfilled the main objectives of the programme, which was to build up the capacity of our National Society in terms of human resources, equipment and facilities, in order to better serve the vulnerable groups in our communities and also to better prepare ourselves for any potential disaster, which might occur in those same communities.

The Eastern Africa Partnership meeting took place in Entebbe, Uganda early this year. The theme for this meeting was “Towards More Effective Partnerships” and it aimed at providing a forum to review strategic directions, discussed priorities and challenges and identify mechanisms to tackle priorities.

It was an opportunity to discuss the development of partnerships in the region, role of the Federation Secretariat through the Zone office and underlying structures. This is in support of the implementation of the 'Federation of the Future' and the resolutions of the Statutory Meetings of 2007. The RCSS was represented at this meeting by the National Committee member, Mr Ronny Renaud and its Secretary General, Mrs Jeanine Grandcourt.

A very relevant message for our NS during this meeting, was the reiteration of the existing core membership services, provided to member NS by the Zone office. We were reminded that we should proactively request for support from the Zone office, in line with our strategic priorities. For example, we could request for technical assistance in our attempts at resource mobilisation to fund our programmes and projects.

Another important outcome of the meeting was NS' understanding of the outcomes of the Statutory meetings, their relevance and implications for our region. For example as a result of resolution number three (3) concerning the auxiliary role of NS to the public authorities, our NS should now feel stronger in promoting our auxiliary role. As a result of that resolution, we should be more proactive, in organising advocacy sessions for government representatives and for the National Assembly and eventually revise the Red Cross Act to reinforce our NS' roles and responsibilities.

thThere were also discussions on the 7 Pan African conference which will take

th ndplace in South Africa from 19 to 22 October, 2008. Members of RC Net were urged to make an extra special effort to participate in such an important event for our zone. It was also recommended that a youth member forms part of the delegation to this conference.

Mrs. Jeanine GrandcourtSecretary General RCSS

Towards More Effective Partnerships

A group of RCSS volunteers trauned in water rescue

Emergency equipments & supplies

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

LALWA IMANITER ENTERNASYONAL

4

pour protez dinyite imen e limit zot soufrans pandan lager

The facilitators demonstrated good training techniques and were very experienced and resourceful, hence facilitated learning and understanding of topics. To ensure that participants can deliver first aid trainings, they were assessed at the end of the training programme and were awarded with a British Red Cross Practical First Aid certificate and a British Red Cross Trainers Certificate. Presentation of certificates was done through a small ceremony at the Coco D'or Hotel.

The RCSS will now need to move towards improving its capacity to deliver high standard, reliable and professional first aid training and services to its clients.

First Aid Instructors for the RCSS

Thirty participants qualifies as instructors

The Red Cross Society of Seychelles successfully embarked on its initial phase in improving its first aid programme through a five day First aid instructor course held at the Coco D'or Hotel. The training was facilitated by Ken Sharpe (First Aid Technical Support Manager) and Valerie Sharpe (Training Specialist) from the British Red Cross.

The training was long overdue as it was necessary to update the knowledge and skills of the first aid instructors. With the increasing demands for first aid trainings and services from the public, the RCSS found it crucial to improve and expand its first aid activities to meet the needs of the community.

A total of 30 candidates were carefully selected through interviews to ensure a pool of committed, reliable and capable instructors. The first aid instructors will bring first aid into the community, improve the visibility and image of the Red Cross and improve the RCSS credibility as the main provider for first aid in the country.

The course consisted of two important components which include practical first aid and first aid trainer course.

13

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

12

Educate yourself on Climate Change, says Red Cross Society of Seychelles

Armed with leaflets, posters, flags and publications, staff of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS), spent a half day in town talking to people about the dangers of climate change. This was done to commemorate World Red Cross Day this year, under the theme “Together for Humanity'.

The theme highlighted the need for joint action to help an increasing number of people affected by natural disasters. Students from the National Institute of Health and Social Sciences (NIHSS) collaborated with the RCSS to sensitise the people on the need to educate themselves and work together. “The RCSS is working closely with its local and international partners to increase awareness on the issue of climate change”, says the Dissemination Officer of the RCSS.

It is the beginning of a long process; people need to be convinced. “As a small National Society, we are faced with many challenges when it comes to convincing people that we are not being spared,” she said.

The young students from the NIHSS have set the pace. More local organizations, government and institutions should follow suit and help to create a more receptive audience when it comes to Climate Change.

“As a small National Society, we are faced with many challenges when it comes to convincing people that we are not being spared”

Ki si sa Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal?

Akoz Lalwa imaniter enternasyonal i enportan ?

Ki mannyer Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i proteze?

Lalwa imaniter enternasyonal i bann lalwa oubyen regilasyon ki met restriksyon lo litilizasyon zarm e metod lager.I protez bann dimoun ki pa pe partisip, oubyen ki nepli pe lager.Lobzektif lalwa imaniter enternasyonal se pour protez dinyite imen e limit zot soufrans pandan lager.I osi konni konman lalwa lager oubyen lalwa konfli arme.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonnal i sa zouti pli enportan ki kominote enternasyonal i annan a son dispozisyon pou asir sekirite e dinyite bann dimoun pandan lager . I eseye pou prezerv serten mezir imaniter, avek en prensip byen gide; ki menm dan lager i annan limit.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i defann e limit litilizasyon zarm ki partikilyemen kriel oubyen pa kapab fer distenksyon ant sivilyen ek konbatan. I osi demand parti ki dan konfli pour:

iDisteng byen ant bann konbatan e sivilyen , e pour arete atak sivilyen.iSwen pour bann blese, dimoun malad e osi pour bann personaz medikal.iAsire ki dinyite prizonyen lager e bann sivilyen i ganny prezerve, e les bann delegasyon komite enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz vizit zot.

Ki rol Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz (ICRC)?

Kan ki Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal I aplike?

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal I protez lekel?

Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz i ganny servi konman «Gardyen » Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal baze lo son travay lo sa kat konvansyon Zenev (1949) e zot de Protokol adisyonel(1977). Sa bann zouti Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i donn Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz drwa pour kontiyen anmenn led pour bann blese ouswa bann dimoun militer kin nofraze. Sa i pou ed zot mentenir kontak avek manm zot fanmiy kin separe akoz konfli¸ pou ed bann sivilyen e asire ki bann ki ganny proteksyon lalwa imaniter, i ganny trete konm fodre.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i konsern de sitiasyon :iKonfli arme enternasyonal ki enkli de pei.

Konfli arme ki arive dan en pei (parey bann ki ant gouvernman ek lafors rebel)

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i aplik pou tou parti ki an konfli, endepandaman lekel ki ti konmanse.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i protez bann ki pa, ouswa nepli pe patisip dan konfli, parey:iSivilyeniBann militer, medikal e relizyeiBlese, nofraze e bann konbatan maladiPrizonyen Lager

An prenan kont zot bann bezwen spesifik, Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i donn proteksyon adisyonel bann madanm e zanfan.

Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz i ganny reprezante dan plis ki 60 pei.Son bann diferan lofis i regilyerman ganny aziste pou met li a -zour avek bann konfli arme e lezot sitiasyon vyolans ki devlope.

Lofis prensipal Kominote Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz i baze an (Zenev) Laswis.

i

5

Climate Change is Real Climate Change is Real Climate Change is Real

Seychelles is being impacted by climate change, and whilst many will say that climate change will happen in future decades, unfortunately the early signs are upon us. Red Cross should focus on what it does best when it comes to climate change, i.e:

1.Through its advocacy programmes bring attention to leaders, communities the dangers of not responding to climate change and reducing risks

2. Educate and make aware the public and other levels of the community, including the young, on reducing risk to climate change and developing approaches to adaptation.

3. Provide support to affected/at risk people

4. Coordinate efforts to reduce risk of affected people

5. Help and establish response centres in the event of climate change related event

This is a good list to start with.

Dr Rolf Payet

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

This year's World Blood Donor Day highlights the important roles played by donors to help those in need. In a ceremony at the Ministry of Health and

thSocial Services on Saturday 14 June 2008, over 300 donors were rewarded with certificates and shields for their devotion and contribution in the lives of other people. Among them were Maria Payet, Harry Dingwall, Cedrick Francourt and Ian Woodcock, volunteers of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles. They form part of this group of volunteers who wears more than one hat in the RCSS and elsewhere. One of these hats they wear occasionally is being a blood donor with the Ministry of Health and Social Services. This ceremony was done in collaboration with the RCSS, putting into focus the good working relationship between the two parties.

World Blood Donor Day

The Minister, Marie-Pierre Loyd, CEO, Maryse Berlouis, RCSS President, Colette Servina and other distinguished guests were present. Mrs. Servina spoke of the extraordinary work being done by blood donors to continuously promote the lives of vulnerable groups in the country and the need for more people to give blood. “Blood donation, is a very kind act of giving, an act that can save lives. We must, recognize and value our blood donors”.

The RCSS has an ongoing Blood Donor Recruitment programme and has up to date trained over 15 of its volunteers and members as recruitment officers. This is being done with the aim of assisting the Ministry of Health and Social services.

“We must, recognize and value our blood donors”

6 11

Ladies and Gentlemen Good Afternoon

The Red Cross Society of Seychelles is today, proudly, joining several Red Cross Chapters and other organizations around the world to commemorate this very important Day, in honoring a very important group of people – Our voluntary non re munerated Blood Donors

The International Federation of the Red Cross, a long standing active player, in blood service delivery, joins other international organizations namely; the WHO, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the In te rnat iona l Soc ie ty o f B lood Transfusion, to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day, celebrated each year on

thJune 14

The June date, was selected, as it is the anniversary, of the birth of Karl Land Steiner, the Nobel Prize winner who discovered the ABO blood group system

World Blood Donor day, is a special day, dedicated to voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors.

World Blood Donor Day, is not a day toraise awareness on blood donations, or to recruit new blood donors, but a day specially dedicated, to celebrate the unsung heroes of blood donation. People, who donate their blood freely and without any reward. People, who millions around the world, owe their lives to, In the recent years, many countries including Seychelles, have been experiencing a significant decrease in the number of blood donors, yet, the demand for blood has remained the same. The emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, has

not helped the situation, or can be said rather, to have contributed to the state of affairsThis has brought about a new challenge facing, everyone in blood service delivery today; i.e to ensure a safe and sustainable blood supply. Ensuring a safe and sustainable blood supply can be achieved only, through the recruitment and retention of voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors, who donate through altruistic, humanitarian motives, a critical factor in safe blood service delivery,B lood coming from fami ly or replacement donors is known to have a higher incidence and prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections.

Blood coming from a voluntary system is, in general, less likely to contain HIV, hepatitis B or other harmful factorsNot only is the blood likely to be safer, from voluntary donors but such a system has another advantage: it cuts down on the amount of blood, which has to be discarded, because of evidence of infectious disease markers, in that way, reducing the cost of collection programmes.

Supporting the Ministry of Health Blood Service, through donor recruitment and blood collection has been one of our National Society's longstanding activities. Last year, through the support of the Spanish Red Cross, 20 Blood Donor Recruiters were trained. Following their training the recruiters where expected to go out and promote the concept of voluntary, none remunerated blood donation

I would like to take this opportunity today, to pledge our continued support to the Ministry of Health in its endeavor,

World Blood Donor Day, is not a day to raise awareness on blood donations, or to recruit new blood donors, but a day specially dedicated, to celebrate the unsung heroes of blood donation.

Ensuring a safe and sustainable blood supply can be achieved only, through the recruitment and retention of voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors.

Often you are saving the lives of people that you will never meet, people who will never get to know you.

in ensuring and maintaining a safe and sustainable blood service delivery, Blood donation, is a very kind act of giving, an act that can save lives. We must, recognize and value our blood donors.

To all our unsung heroes I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, for your selfless act of donating your blood

Indeed, dear blood donors, you are heroes. You are saving lives by donating the most precious gift, the gift of life. You are greatly valued

Often you are saving the lives of people that you will never meet, people who will never get to know you. Yet, you are giving your blood freely, without any reward, except for the personal satisfaction that you experience To all of us present here today, let us remind ourselves that Blood is The Life force in all human beings, regardless of our color, race or belief. No one can do without it.Let us value this very important, noble and humanitarian gesture of giving blood, Let us value all those men and women who continue to donate their blood, time and time again voluntarily.Let us celebrate our voluntary blood donors

Together for humanity

Ladies and Gentlemen I thank you

Speech by RCSS President, Mrs Collette Servina on World Blood Donor Day 2008

Blood donation, is a very kind act of giving

Mrs Colette Servina - RCSS President

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

10 7

How Prepared Are We?How does the RCSS work with local partners and other National Societies in disaster situations and how to manage disasters was the focus of a two week-long training workshop, organized by the RCSS.

The workshop was an opportunity for the participants to update their skills and assess their level of preparedness and response in the eventuality that they will be called upon to provide assistance in disaster situations.

The participation of representatives from the Fire Department, Ministry of Health and Social Development, Seychelles Police, RCSS volunteers, Malagasy and Mauritius Red Cross was purposefully planned so that these partners can coord inate and max imize the i r interventions when disaster strikes.

The structure of the workshop included theory and practical sessions, reviewing the necessary planning procedures, deployment, logistics, management of victims, psychosocial support and provision of essential facilities such as water and sanitation.

The practical part of the session was dealing with a simulated disaster at Anse Royale Primary School, focusing on evacuation and management of injuries.

According to the Mauritius Red Cross Programme Coordinator, Mr Navin Mahadoo, their stay in Seychelles to attend the Disaster Training and act as observer for the simulation was an experience for all the heads of departments of the Emergency Response Unit.

“Most of the topics during the training such as Psychosocial Support were not new to us but nevertheless, the sessions were helpful in updating our knowledge”, he said.

There are still a lot to be done in disaster response and preparedness in the RCSS; especially when it comes to planning, implementat ion, monitor ing and evaluation.

Since the Tsunami of 2001, the RCSS has continuously mobilised and trained its volunteers, seek support and funds, advocate with its partners to strengthen the Society ’s disaster response capabilities.

Being adequately prepared at all times is a challenge that the RCSS deals with everyday.

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Red Cross assisted over 200 athletes during Inter School Athletic Competion 2008

8 9

Volunteers of the Red Cross turned out fully prepared for an event which by now they are quite familiar with. This annual rendez-vous is one were a large number of volunteers, from the President of the Society to newly joined members are active in a non- disaster situation. Nevertheless, it is a very busy assignment as the number of athletes requiring assistance is increasing. The First Aiders suspects that lack of proper preparation on the part of the athletes before the competition may be a contributing factor.

This year there were even cases of athletes turning up with injuries and forcing themselves to compete.

During the day, several cases were referred to the English River clinic for further examination. A total of 209 casualties were recorded and treated.

This event is also one were volunteers get to put their skills into practice and consolidate their teamwork. In late afternoon the tired but satisfied group recapped the days’ work, discussed their good achievements and identified the challenges to be addressed in future. They went home happy to have been of service to our aspiring athletes and our community as proud volunteers of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles.

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Red Cross assisted over 200 athletes during Inter School Athletic Competion 2008

8 9

Volunteers of the Red Cross turned out fully prepared for an event which by now they are quite familiar with. This annual rendez-vous is one were a large number of volunteers, from the President of the Society to newly joined members are active in a non- disaster situation. Nevertheless, it is a very busy assignment as the number of athletes requiring assistance is increasing. The First Aiders suspects that lack of proper preparation on the part of the athletes before the competition may be a contributing factor.

This year there were even cases of athletes turning up with injuries and forcing themselves to compete.

During the day, several cases were referred to the English River clinic for further examination. A total of 209 casualties were recorded and treated.

This event is also one were volunteers get to put their skills into practice and consolidate their teamwork. In late afternoon the tired but satisfied group recapped the days’ work, discussed their good achievements and identified the challenges to be addressed in future. They went home happy to have been of service to our aspiring athletes and our community as proud volunteers of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles.

Ladies and Gentlemen Good Afternoon

The Red Cross Society of Seychelles is today, proudly, joining several Red Cross Chapters and other organizations around the world to commemorate this very important Day, in honoring a very important group of people – Our voluntary non re munerated Blood Donors

The International Federation of the Red Cross, a long standing active player, in blood service delivery, joins other international organizations namely; the WHO, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the In te rnat iona l Soc ie ty o f B lood Transfusion, to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day, celebrated each year on

thJune 14

The June date, was selected, as it is the anniversary, of the birth of Karl Land Steiner, the Nobel Prize winner who discovered the ABO blood group system

World Blood Donor day, is a special day, dedicated to voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors.

World Blood Donor Day, is not a day toraise awareness on blood donations, or to recruit new blood donors, but a day specially dedicated, to celebrate the unsung heroes of blood donation. People, who donate their blood freely and without any reward. People, who millions around the world, owe their lives to, In the recent years, many countries including Seychelles, have been experiencing a significant decrease in the number of blood donors, yet, the demand for blood has remained the same. The emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, has

not helped the situation, or can be said rather, to have contributed to the state of affairsThis has brought about a new challenge facing, everyone in blood service delivery today; i.e to ensure a safe and sustainable blood supply. Ensuring a safe and sustainable blood supply can be achieved only, through the recruitment and retention of voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors, who donate through altruistic, humanitarian motives, a critical factor in safe blood service delivery,B lood coming from fami ly or replacement donors is known to have a higher incidence and prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections.

Blood coming from a voluntary system is, in general, less likely to contain HIV, hepatitis B or other harmful factorsNot only is the blood likely to be safer, from voluntary donors but such a system has another advantage: it cuts down on the amount of blood, which has to be discarded, because of evidence of infectious disease markers, in that way, reducing the cost of collection programmes.

Supporting the Ministry of Health Blood Service, through donor recruitment and blood collection has been one of our National Society's longstanding activities. Last year, through the support of the Spanish Red Cross, 20 Blood Donor Recruiters were trained. Following their training the recruiters where expected to go out and promote the concept of voluntary, none remunerated blood donation

I would like to take this opportunity today, to pledge our continued support to the Ministry of Health in its endeavor,

World Blood Donor Day, is not a day to raise awareness on blood donations, or to recruit new blood donors, but a day specially dedicated, to celebrate the unsung heroes of blood donation.

Ensuring a safe and sustainable blood supply can be achieved only, through the recruitment and retention of voluntary, non- remunerated blood donors.

Often you are saving the lives of people that you will never meet, people who will never get to know you.

in ensuring and maintaining a safe and sustainable blood service delivery, Blood donation, is a very kind act of giving, an act that can save lives. We must, recognize and value our blood donors.

To all our unsung heroes I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, for your selfless act of donating your blood

Indeed, dear blood donors, you are heroes. You are saving lives by donating the most precious gift, the gift of life. You are greatly valued

Often you are saving the lives of people that you will never meet, people who will never get to know you. Yet, you are giving your blood freely, without any reward, except for the personal satisfaction that you experience To all of us present here today, let us remind ourselves that Blood is The Life force in all human beings, regardless of our color, race or belief. No one can do without it.Let us value this very important, noble and humanitarian gesture of giving blood, Let us value all those men and women who continue to donate their blood, time and time again voluntarily.Let us celebrate our voluntary blood donors

Together for humanity

Ladies and Gentlemen I thank you

Speech by RCSS President, Mrs Collette Servina on World Blood Donor Day 2008

Blood donation, is a very kind act of giving

Mrs Colette Servina - RCSS President

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

10 7

How Prepared Are We?How does the RCSS work with local partners and other National Societies in disaster situations and how to manage disasters was the focus of a two week-long training workshop, organized by the RCSS.

The workshop was an opportunity for the participants to update their skills and assess their level of preparedness and response in the eventuality that they will be called upon to provide assistance in disaster situations.

The participation of representatives from the Fire Department, Ministry of Health and Social Development, Seychelles Police, RCSS volunteers, Malagasy and Mauritius Red Cross was purposefully planned so that these partners can coord inate and max imize the i r interventions when disaster strikes.

The structure of the workshop included theory and practical sessions, reviewing the necessary planning procedures, deployment, logistics, management of victims, psychosocial support and provision of essential facilities such as water and sanitation.

The practical part of the session was dealing with a simulated disaster at Anse Royale Primary School, focusing on evacuation and management of injuries.

According to the Mauritius Red Cross Programme Coordinator, Mr Navin Mahadoo, their stay in Seychelles to attend the Disaster Training and act as observer for the simulation was an experience for all the heads of departments of the Emergency Response Unit.

“Most of the topics during the training such as Psychosocial Support were not new to us but nevertheless, the sessions were helpful in updating our knowledge”, he said.

There are still a lot to be done in disaster response and preparedness in the RCSS; especially when it comes to planning, implementat ion, monitor ing and evaluation.

Since the Tsunami of 2001, the RCSS has continuously mobilised and trained its volunteers, seek support and funds, advocate with its partners to strengthen the Society ’s disaster response capabilities.

Being adequately prepared at all times is a challenge that the RCSS deals with everyday.

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

This year's World Blood Donor Day highlights the important roles played by donors to help those in need. In a ceremony at the Ministry of Health and

thSocial Services on Saturday 14 June 2008, over 300 donors were rewarded with certificates and shields for their devotion and contribution in the lives of other people. Among them were Maria Payet, Harry Dingwall, Cedrick Francourt and Ian Woodcock, volunteers of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles. They form part of this group of volunteers who wears more than one hat in the RCSS and elsewhere. One of these hats they wear occasionally is being a blood donor with the Ministry of Health and Social Services. This ceremony was done in collaboration with the RCSS, putting into focus the good working relationship between the two parties.

World Blood Donor Day

The Minister, Marie-Pierre Loyd, CEO, Maryse Berlouis, RCSS President, Colette Servina and other distinguished guests were present. Mrs. Servina spoke of the extraordinary work being done by blood donors to continuously promote the lives of vulnerable groups in the country and the need for more people to give blood. “Blood donation, is a very kind act of giving, an act that can save lives. We must, recognize and value our blood donors”.

The RCSS has an ongoing Blood Donor Recruitment programme and has up to date trained over 15 of its volunteers and members as recruitment officers. This is being done with the aim of assisting the Ministry of Health and Social services.

“We must, recognize and value our blood donors”

6 11

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

12

Educate yourself on Climate Change, says Red Cross Society of Seychelles

Armed with leaflets, posters, flags and publications, staff of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS), spent a half day in town talking to people about the dangers of climate change. This was done to commemorate World Red Cross Day this year, under the theme “Together for Humanity'.

The theme highlighted the need for joint action to help an increasing number of people affected by natural disasters. Students from the National Institute of Health and Social Sciences (NIHSS) collaborated with the RCSS to sensitise the people on the need to educate themselves and work together. “The RCSS is working closely with its local and international partners to increase awareness on the issue of climate change”, says the Dissemination Officer of the RCSS.

It is the beginning of a long process; people need to be convinced. “As a small National Society, we are faced with many challenges when it comes to convincing people that we are not being spared,” she said.

The young students from the NIHSS have set the pace. More local organizations, government and institutions should follow suit and help to create a more receptive audience when it comes to Climate Change.

“As a small National Society, we are faced with many challenges when it comes to convincing people that we are not being spared”

Ki si sa Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal?

Akoz Lalwa imaniter enternasyonal i enportan ?

Ki mannyer Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i proteze?

Lalwa imaniter enternasyonal i bann lalwa oubyen regilasyon ki met restriksyon lo litilizasyon zarm e metod lager.I protez bann dimoun ki pa pe partisip, oubyen ki nepli pe lager.Lobzektif lalwa imaniter enternasyonal se pour protez dinyite imen e limit zot soufrans pandan lager.I osi konni konman lalwa lager oubyen lalwa konfli arme.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonnal i sa zouti pli enportan ki kominote enternasyonal i annan a son dispozisyon pou asir sekirite e dinyite bann dimoun pandan lager . I eseye pou prezerv serten mezir imaniter, avek en prensip byen gide; ki menm dan lager i annan limit.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i defann e limit litilizasyon zarm ki partikilyemen kriel oubyen pa kapab fer distenksyon ant sivilyen ek konbatan. I osi demand parti ki dan konfli pour:

iDisteng byen ant bann konbatan e sivilyen , e pour arete atak sivilyen.iSwen pour bann blese, dimoun malad e osi pour bann personaz medikal.iAsire ki dinyite prizonyen lager e bann sivilyen i ganny prezerve, e les bann delegasyon komite enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz vizit zot.

Ki rol Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz (ICRC)?

Kan ki Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal I aplike?

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal I protez lekel?

Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz i ganny servi konman «Gardyen » Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal baze lo son travay lo sa kat konvansyon Zenev (1949) e zot de Protokol adisyonel(1977). Sa bann zouti Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i donn Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz drwa pour kontiyen anmenn led pour bann blese ouswa bann dimoun militer kin nofraze. Sa i pou ed zot mentenir kontak avek manm zot fanmiy kin separe akoz konfli¸ pou ed bann sivilyen e asire ki bann ki ganny proteksyon lalwa imaniter, i ganny trete konm fodre.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i konsern de sitiasyon :iKonfli arme enternasyonal ki enkli de pei.

Konfli arme ki arive dan en pei (parey bann ki ant gouvernman ek lafors rebel)

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i aplik pou tou parti ki an konfli, endepandaman lekel ki ti konmanse.

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i protez bann ki pa, ouswa nepli pe patisip dan konfli, parey:iSivilyeniBann militer, medikal e relizyeiBlese, nofraze e bann konbatan maladiPrizonyen Lager

An prenan kont zot bann bezwen spesifik, Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal i donn proteksyon adisyonel bann madanm e zanfan.

Komite Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz i ganny reprezante dan plis ki 60 pei.Son bann diferan lofis i regilyerman ganny aziste pou met li a -zour avek bann konfli arme e lezot sitiasyon vyolans ki devlope.

Lofis prensipal Kominote Enternasyonal Lakrwa Rouz i baze an (Zenev) Laswis.

i

5

Climate Change is Real Climate Change is Real Climate Change is Real

Seychelles is being impacted by climate change, and whilst many will say that climate change will happen in future decades, unfortunately the early signs are upon us. Red Cross should focus on what it does best when it comes to climate change, i.e:

1.Through its advocacy programmes bring attention to leaders, communities the dangers of not responding to climate change and reducing risks

2. Educate and make aware the public and other levels of the community, including the young, on reducing risk to climate change and developing approaches to adaptation.

3. Provide support to affected/at risk people

4. Coordinate efforts to reduce risk of affected people

5. Help and establish response centres in the event of climate change related event

This is a good list to start with.

Dr Rolf Payet

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

LALWA IMANITER ENTERNASYONAL

4

pour protez dinyite imen e limit zot soufrans pandan lager

The facilitators demonstrated good training techniques and were very experienced and resourceful, hence facilitated learning and understanding of topics. To ensure that participants can deliver first aid trainings, they were assessed at the end of the training programme and were awarded with a British Red Cross Practical First Aid certificate and a British Red Cross Trainers Certificate. Presentation of certificates was done through a small ceremony at the Coco D'or Hotel.

The RCSS will now need to move towards improving its capacity to deliver high standard, reliable and professional first aid training and services to its clients.

First Aid Instructors for the RCSS

Thirty participants qualifies as instructors

The Red Cross Society of Seychelles successfully embarked on its initial phase in improving its first aid programme through a five day First aid instructor course held at the Coco D'or Hotel. The training was facilitated by Ken Sharpe (First Aid Technical Support Manager) and Valerie Sharpe (Training Specialist) from the British Red Cross.

The training was long overdue as it was necessary to update the knowledge and skills of the first aid instructors. With the increasing demands for first aid trainings and services from the public, the RCSS found it crucial to improve and expand its first aid activities to meet the needs of the community.

A total of 30 candidates were carefully selected through interviews to ensure a pool of committed, reliable and capable instructors. The first aid instructors will bring first aid into the community, improve the visibility and image of the Red Cross and improve the RCSS credibility as the main provider for first aid in the country.

The course consisted of two important components which include practical first aid and first aid trainer course.

13

2

Dear Friends and Volunteers

In this edition of Coup de Coeur we are featuring the continuous efforts of the Society to further meet the expectations of our beneficiaries. The programmes and activities of the RCSS tries to prepare our dedicated volunteers by giving them the skills and knowledge needed whilst at the same time having them perform the various duties they volunteered for.

The complexities of our modern society pressures us into being able to offer multiple services and support; be it first aid, road safety, tsunami, thunderstorms, landslide, domestic fires, HIV/AIDS, Blood Donation, dissemination of humanitarian values amongst others. The Red Cross Society is now at the forefront in tackling such issues and events. This is due to the dynamism of the Society’s National Committee, management team , sponsors, members and volunteers.

This newsletter tries to take stock and share with our partners the journey of humanity our volunteers deals with everyday. Every single day volunteers of the Red Cross are in action. The few pages of Coup de Coeur is not enough to reflect their good deeds. Nevertheless they deliver, compensated by the satisfaction of having served their community or save a life.

This is what volunteerism is all about.

Produced by the Red Cross Society of SeychellesP.O.Box 53, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles Tel:324646 - Fax:321663

Email: redcross@seychelles.sc www.redcross.seychelles.sc

Printed by XPRESS

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

thThe General Assembly met on 8 March, 2008. One of the main items on the agenda was the elections of members for the new national committee as per the requirements of the NS' statutes. However, as only one application had been received for the candidature of an ordinary member, the election of members for the National

thcommittee was deferred to 12 April, whereby an Extraordinary General Meeting was held to elect members of the NC and appoint members of the newly created Finance commission.- Mrs Colette Servina and Mrs Luciana

Lagrenade were re-elected as president and vice-president respectively for a third, consecutive term of two years.

- Mr Ronny Renaud was elected as vice-president for the first time

The elected ordinary members were: - Mrs. Daniella Larue - Mrs Barbara Andre- Ms Rosie Bistoquet (new NC member) - Mr Ian Woodcock (new NC member)

For the first time this year, the Finance and Risk Commission came into effect. The composition of the FC commission is as follows:- Mr. Dolor Ernesta (Chairperson and also

sits on the NC)- Ms. Bernadette Julie (member) and - Ms. Veronique Adeline (member). The Finance and Risk Commission is an advisory commission to the National Committee and is composed of a Chairperson and two members. One of its functions is to comment on the handling and investment of the available funds and to make recommendations to the General Assembly and to the National Committee on any financial measure which it deems appropriate.

During the session of the General Assembly the following were also adopted: - Audited Reports Years 2005 & 2006 - Revised statutes - Strategic Plan 2006 - 2010,- Volunteer Management Policy- Communications Policy - 2008 proposed budget- Revision of membership contribution

from SR 25 to SR 100 for an adult and from SR 10 to SR 25 for a youth member.

The General Assembly was attended by the head of the IFRC Sub-Regional Office for the Indian Ocean Islands, Ms Susanna Cunningham.

Mrs Jeannine Grandcourt, RCSS Secretary General.

RCSS General Assembly

eL 29 juin 2008 a été une journée

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Canada.

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3

Learning First Aid

Youth volunteers during a marathon

Providing support

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

“Empowering Target Groups, To Deal With Their Needs, From A Holistic Perspective,

Thus Reducing Their Vulnerability”

Such was one of the main objectives of the collaboration programme between the Spanish Red Cross and the Red Cross Society of Seychelles, for the execution of the “Disaster preparedness and response strategy” project, which started some two and a half years ago.

The assistance received from the Spanish RC ranged from capacity building; training in disaster preparedness and response both locally and in the Indian Ocean region; training and provision of equipment and materials for our water safety programme; HIV/AIDS prevention sensitisation; road safety promotion, amongst others.

It was indeed a challenging experience to implement all the activities programmed under this agreement within the required time-frame; however, it was above all, an enriching experience for all stakeholders and the target groups ear-marked to benefit from this project, were all served to the best of our abilities.

We have indeed fulfilled the main objectives of the programme, which was to build up the capacity of our National Society in terms of human resources, equipment and facilities, in order to better serve the vulnerable groups in our communities and also to better prepare ourselves for any potential disaster, which might occur in those same communities.

The Eastern Africa Partnership meeting took place in Entebbe, Uganda early this year. The theme for this meeting was “Towards More Effective Partnerships” and it aimed at providing a forum to review strategic directions, discussed priorities and challenges and identify mechanisms to tackle priorities.

It was an opportunity to discuss the development of partnerships in the region, role of the Federation Secretariat through the Zone office and underlying structures. This is in support of the implementation of the 'Federation of the Future' and the resolutions of the Statutory Meetings of 2007. The RCSS was represented at this meeting by the National Committee member, Mr Ronny Renaud and its Secretary General, Mrs Jeanine Grandcourt.

A very relevant message for our NS during this meeting, was the reiteration of the existing core membership services, provided to member NS by the Zone office. We were reminded that we should proactively request for support from the Zone office, in line with our strategic priorities. For example, we could request for technical assistance in our attempts at resource mobilisation to fund our programmes and projects.

Another important outcome of the meeting was NS' understanding of the outcomes of the Statutory meetings, their relevance and implications for our region. For example as a result of resolution number three (3) concerning the auxiliary role of NS to the public authorities, our NS should now feel stronger in promoting our auxiliary role. As a result of that resolution, we should be more proactive, in organising advocacy sessions for government representatives and for the National Assembly and eventually revise the Red Cross Act to reinforce our NS' roles and responsibilities.

thThere were also discussions on the 7 Pan African conference which will take

th ndplace in South Africa from 19 to 22 October, 2008. Members of RC Net were urged to make an extra special effort to participate in such an important event for our zone. It was also recommended that a youth member forms part of the delegation to this conference.

Mrs. Jeanine GrandcourtSecretary General RCSS

Towards More Effective Partnerships

A group of RCSS volunteers trauned in water rescue

Emergency equipments & supplies

General AssemblyEmpowering Target Groups

Lalwa Imaniter Enternasyonal

Disaster TrainingClimate Change

First Aid Instructors for RCSS

Blood Donor Day 2008Red Cross at Inter-School Athletics Competition

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

JUNE 2008

P10

P12

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