The document outlines the achievements of the Dipecho II Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) program in Armenia, supported by various organizations including Oxfam and UNICEF. The program focused on enhancing the capacities of local communities, particularly addressing the needs of vulnerable populations such as women and children, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders. Key outcomes included increased community preparedness through training, the establishment of educational resource centers, and advocacy for policy changes related to disaster risk management.

1. Celebrating our
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achievements
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DIPECHO II DRR Regional Program in Armenia
DRR drill in Arpi community, Vayots Dzor region
http://tiny.cc/c1j05w; http://youtu.be/4hJ_e4BNTWU
The “Disaster Risk Reduction” program is a regional initiative financed by the Disaster Preparedness
Programme of the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department - DIPECHO,
which funds projects in disaster-prone regions around the world. DIPECHO-funded projects in Armenia
targeted Shirak, Aragatsotn, Lori, Gegharkuniq, Vayots Dzor and Yerevan regions and implemented by
OXFAM, Armenian Red Cross Society, UNICEF, and Save the Children.
DIPECHO II DRR projects in Armenia strengthen capacity of local communities to identify and address the
needs of most vulnerable populations in disaster risk reduction. Program significantly improved cooperation
with the leading agencies, governmental authorities, DRR National Platform and other relevant regional
structures in the South Caucasus in the sphere of disaster risk reduction.

2. PROGRAM
DIPECHO II DRR PROGRAM CLOSURE EVENT IN ARMENIA
On 30 October 2013 the official closing of the II Phase of the “Disaster Risk
Reduction”(DRR) regional program in Armenia has been marked with the
joint event organized by OXFAM, UNICEF, Armenian Red Cross Society,
and Save the Children in collaboration with the Ministry Emergency
Situations, the Ministry of Education and Science and the DRR National
Platform. As a unique joint initiative current program has engaged with all
key stakeholders in DRR sphere and has ensured that all direct their joint
efforts and organizational resources and capacities to ensure greater
impact. Program also created opportunities to build cooperation among DRR
stakeholders in the South Caucasus.
Representatives of key stakeholders and Oxfam partners involved in
DIPECHO II DRR regional program highlighted the key project approaches
and achievements in Armenia.
Activities were undertaken in three main directions:
• Strengthening capacity of local communities to identify and address
the needs of most vulnerable populations in disaster risk reduction;
• Reflection of needs and rights of the most vulnerable children
(including children with special needs) in disaster risk reduction
policy; capacity building of children and schools in hazard prone areas
to better prepare for, mitigate, and respond to disasters, as well as
tackling issues related to disaster risk reduction in the context of the
national educational system;
• Strengthening cooperation with the leading agencies, governmental
authorities, DRR National Platform and other relevant regional
structures in the South Caucasus in the sphere of disaster risk
reduction.
Oxfam’s DIPECHO II DRR project put the major focus on the Gender in
DRR component. Women are more vulnerable during the emergencies and
Oxfam project in Armenia aimed to address this. To support women in
building their resilience to natural disasters, Oxfam initiated set of trainings
and capacity building activities especially for women in disaster prone
communities.
Another focus of Oxfam’s project was youth. Being more progressive and in
the community frontline Oxfam wants them to be more prepared and
informed on DRR and Climate Change. Thus, through establishment of
Green Laboratories (houses) youth is learnt to cultivate more resilient crops
towards sustainable livelihoods. Training courses and follow up mentoring
contributed to this objective.
Oxfam has also created Continuing Education Resource Centres in 10 disaster prone communities of Vayots Dzor region in
Armenia. They are equipped with all necessary technical resources and materials to ensure continuity of community DRR public
awareness even after the end of the project.
Our achievements:
Oxfam increased the capacities of community institutions in 10 targeted communities of Vayots Dzor region, including
municipalities, schools and community emergency groups (CEGs) established by Oxfam through update of community contingency
plans in cooperation with the Vayots Dzor Regional Rescue Department, provision of series of trainings on rescuing, first aid,
Gender in DRR, Triangle training on Climate Change, DRR and Livelihood, provision of necessary equipment to community
schools (evacuation plans, evacuation signs, megaphones, fire extinguishers, stretchers), preparation and publication of
information and education materials on DRR (on topics such as fire, earthquake, flooding etc), organization of community drills and
joint events, establishment of continuing education resource centres (gathering place for CEGs), green laboratories (small size
greenhouses) and implementation of small scale mitigation projects (i.e. reconstruction of bridges, irrigation system, cleaning
channels etc).
Oxfam has also initiated advocacy actions to bring to policy change at the national level through DRR National Platform, particularly
through organization of a workshop on Gender in DRR, comparative analysis of Armenian and SPHERE standards on Crisis
Management Standards. Oxfam works closely with UNICEF and other stakeholders on the development of the common school
emergency plan.
Oxfam being a member of the Climate Change Thematic Group promotes holistic approach to DRR connecting it with CCA and
sustainable livelihood that brings to community resilience and, thus sustainable development of the communities.