BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES: HOW ZAMBIA RED CROSS SOCIETY’S RP3 PROJECT EMPOWERS SOUTHERN PROVINCE TO TACKLE DISASTERS

Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS), with support from Netherlands Red Cross, is making significant impact in Southern Province through the Response Preparedness III (RP3) project. Focused on Siavonga, Gwembe, and Sinazongwe District, this project is helping vulnerable communities become better prepared for disasters.

Launched in 2022, RPIII builds on the success of similar previous projects in North Western Province. Its goal is to empower local communities with the knowledge and tools they need to anticipate, prepare and respond to disasters. This initiative is a key part of ZRCS’s commitment to strengthening communities across Zambia.

Empowering Through Training

One of the notable accomplishments of RPIII, is the training provided to local Communities, Volunteers and ZRCS staff. In Siavonga, Gwembe, and Sinazongwe, the project organized disaster management training programs to equip participants with the skills needed for effective emergency response. A total of 30 volunteers and 2 staff members took part in these sessions, which covered important topics like disaster preparedness and response coordination. Thanks to this training, three Branch Disaster Response Teams (BDRTs) were established, and 45 volunteers are now ready to support Disaster Response activities.

Engaging Communities in Health Crises

RPIII, project also focused on risk communication and community engagement, especially in health-related emergencies. Training was provided to help local leaders and volunteers effectively communicate with communities about emerging health risks. This approach was crucial in the success of the COVID-19 mobile vaccination campaigns in the three districts. By working with the Ministry of Health, ZRCS reached over 6,500 people with vaccinations, highlighting the importance of community involvement in public health initiatives.

Tackling Disease Outbreaks

When an anthrax outbreak occurred in Gwembe & Sesheke District, RPIII project quickly responded. Collaborating with government agencies, ZRCS launched an awareness campaign that reached over 91,000 people. This rapid response was key in controlling the spread of the disease and protecting the community’s health.

Rebuilding Local Red Cross Branches

RPIII also played a vital role in revitalizing local Red Cross branches in the targeted districts. These branches had faced challenges and were not fully functional. Through targeted support and training, the project strengthened these branches, ensuring they are now better equipped to serve their communities and respond to disasters.

A Personal Success Story

For Chris Bandela, the chairperson of Manyepa Zambezi SDMC in Siavonga District, RPIII, project has been life changing. Before the Project, Chris and his community had no strategies to deal with the frequent droughts and insect infestations that threatened food security in the area. After receiving training, Chris implemented the new farming techniques, which included crop diversification, planting maize early and using irrigation. As a result, his crops are nearly ready for harvest, while others in his community are still waiting for their crops to mature. Chris credits, Zambia Red Cross Society for teaching him how to protect his family from hunger and prepare and respond to various weather conditions.

Looking Ahead: The Future Beyond RPIII

As the Response Preparedness III, project approaches its conclusion in April 2025, Zambia Red Cross Society looks forward to a future shaped by the lessons learned and the foundations laid by this initiative. The success of RPIII, is not only measured by the skills acquired or the infrastructure built, but by the lasting behavioral changes within the communities it has touched.

ZRCS aspires to see communities in Siavonga, Gwembe, and Sinazongwe become more resilient, self-reliant, and better prepared for future challenges. The organization hopes that the training and capacity-building efforts will lead to a sustained culture of preparedness, where community members take proactive steps to mitigate risks and protect themselves from disasters. ZRCS envisions a future where local volunteers continue to lead by example, spreading knowledge and fostering a spirit of cooperation and solidarity.

Furthermore, ZRCS is committed to its mission of improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. The organization looks forward to seeing these communities embrace the values of preparedness, resilience, and community engagement as part of their daily lives. The hope is that the impact of RPIII will inspire other regions across Zambia to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the country.

As ZRCS prepares to close this chapter, it remains dedicated to supporting these communities beyond the project’s end, ensuring that the progress made continues to flourish. The legacy of RPIII, will be seen in stronger, more united communities that are equipped to face the future with confidence and hope.