'Proyas' launched to train first responders

A project titled “Proyas” was inaugurated in Chattogram city yesterday, with an aim to train volunteers who will respond swiftly and assist residents during natural calamities.

Chattogram city Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin announced the formal inauguration of the project, funded by Save the Children USA, at the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) office in Andorkilla.

Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), a non-profit organisation, will implement “Proyas” through raising awareness on natural disasters among the residents, especially women and children.

Reefat Bin Sattar, director program of development and quality at Save the Children USA, during the programme said, “Women and children are among the worst of the affected during every [natural] calamity. Our project will help the vulnerable groups gain capacity on how to deal with such natural disasters.”

Arifur Rahman, chief executive of YPSA, said the project will run for five years and they would work in two wards of the city each year.

“Cleanliness in the city and safety of people, exposed to natural calamities, are on top of our agenda,” he added.

YPSA will train 500 urban volunteers in 10 wards, 20 schools and 50 slums in the city.

The volunteers will act as first responders during any disaster and they will also train people on how to reduce risks during natural calamities.

Mayor Nasir, chief guest of the programme, said the project will have all necessary support from his office as ensuring a safe city, especially for women and children, was one of his commitments that he made while campaigning for the mayoral election.

He advised the YPSA to include the CCC volunteers in “Proyas” for an effective outcome.

Md Shamsudoha, chief executive officer of CCC chaired the programme while Dr AQM Serajul Islam, president of Peshajibi Somonnoy Parishad, and Mahbubur Rahman, director (social development) of YPSA, were present.