Tura, June 16: A residential training programme for Yuva Aapda Mitra Volunteers organised by the District Disaster Management Authority, West Garo Hills, commenced today at SMELC Building, Dakopgre, Tura.
The week-long programme will train volunteers from youth organisations and agencies such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG), in disaster preparedness and disaster response. The volunteers will be provided with certification, ID, uniform and Emergency Responder Kits after completion of the training.
The training will equip the volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to don the role of community responders and aid the DDMA in times of natural disasters and emergencies.
Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with an objective to train close to 2.4 lakh volunteers in 315 most disaster prone districts across the country. It aims to stimulate the spirit of voluntary contribution in youth, in all the dimensions of disaster response activities through institutional mechanisms. It will also provide training to 1300 trained Aapda Mitra volunteers under Up-scaling of Aapda Mitra Schemes as Master Trainers.
The volunteers training will cover the five Districts of Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills and East Garo Hills in Meghalaya with a total target of more than 1900 volunteers.
The inaugural function today was attended by Jude R.T. Sangma, Addl. Deputy Commissioner and CEO, Disaster Management Authority, West Garo Hills, Tura, J.D. Sangma, District Disaster Management Officer, West Garo Hills, officials from DDMA, West Garo Hills and participating students.
