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On October 15, 2024, the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), in collaboration with the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM), officially launched the “Support for the Development of Emergency and Disaster Response Services in Ethiopia” project in Addis Ababa. The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Poland, the CEO of PCPM, IIRR’s Ethiopia Country Director, representatives of the Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission, trainees, partners, and project staff attended the launch event.

The project aims to build the capacity of firefighters and ambulance crews from the Addis Ababa City Administration Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission (FDRMC) through firefighting training, pre-hospital care training for ambulance crews (including nurses and drivers), and providing equipment to fire units. Over the course of two years and seven months, the project will also be implemented in the Sidama and South Ethiopia regions, where it will focus on building the capacity of community animal health workers to provide essential animal healthcare services to pastoral communities.

In his welcome speech, IIRR Ethiopia Country Director Zerihun Lemma highlighted that IIRR had previously collaborated with PCPM on an education project that provided lighting and water in schools and training for parents and teachers. He also noted IIRR’s previous support to the rescue system and fire brigades in the Amhara and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region. Dr. Wojtek Wilk, CEO of PCPM, remarked that PCPM chose to work with IIRR due to its successful track record of cooperation with local authorities in disaster risk reduction and education.

Dr Wojtek Wilk CEO of PCPM

IIRR Ethiopia Country Director Zerihun Lemma

Mr. Lukasz Kalicia, a representative of the Polish Embassy, appreciated the partnership that has been forged to make the project a success and highlighted the Polish government’s increased engagement in development activities, noting that development is becoming a significant part of Poland’s foreign policy. Omer Abdurezak, representing the Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission, expressed gratitude for the equipment and training provided by PCPM, adding that he strongly believes this support will enhance the commission’s capacity to improve its services.

Mr Luskas Kalicia, representative of the Polish Embassy

Omer Abdurezak, Representative of the Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission

Trainees from the fire and ambulance crews who participated in the PCPM training expressed their gratitude, stating that they had gained new knowledge and skills that would enable them to more effectively carry out their duties and responsibilities.

Read more coverage of the event from The Ethiopian Herald at this link: https://press.et/herald/?p=104004