The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Borno State Branch, has concluded a two-day refresher training on Community Engagement and Accountability (CE-AAP) and the Code of Conduct (CoC) to strengthen humanitarian service delivery and reinforce accountability in its operations.
The training, held at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Maiduguri Subdelegation, was facilitated by Alberta Blasu from the NRCS National Headquarters with support from the ICRC.
The sessions focused on revisiting the core principles of Community Engagement and Accountability, emphasizing the humanitarian values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the importance of inclusive programming.
Participants explored ways to address unconscious bias, remove barriers to participation, and ensure that vulnerable and marginalized groups are effectively included in humanitarian interventions.
The training featured interactive learning methods, including group discussions, role plays, short dramas, and practical exercises aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of accountability and ethical conduct in humanitarian work.
A joint session on CE-AAP and Safer Access, facilitated by Alberta Blasu and the Borno Branch Disaster Management Officer (DMO), Babagana Isa, highlighted the operational importance of community engagement in ensuring safe and effective humanitarian access.
Participants also developed action plans outlining practical steps for implementing the knowledge gained within their respective divisions. Pre- and post-training assessments, alongside participant reflections and evaluations, were conducted to measure learning outcomes.
Speaking during the closing session, the Head of the ICRC Maiduguri Subdelegation, Diana Japaridze, and the Borno Branch Secretary, Muhammad Zannah Barma, encouraged participants to remain disciplined and apply the knowledge acquired to improve humanitarian service delivery.
Also speaking, the Head of Cooperation at the ICRC Maiduguri Subdelegation, Muhammad Zubair Khan, commended the facilitator for her dedication and expertise, describing the training as successful while urging participants to translate the lessons into practice and maintain strict compliance with the Red Cross Code of Conduct.
On behalf of the Branch Secretary, the Borno Branch Disaster Management Officer expressed appreciation to Alberta Blasu and the ICRC Delegation’s Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Field Officer for their support and coordination in delivering the training.
The refresher training is expected to strengthen accountability, inclusivity, ethical conduct, and safer access in humanitarian operations across the Nigerian Red Cross Society’s activities in Borno State.