ECHO study visit for youth in civil protection
Young civil protection and disaster risk management specialists got an interactive and dynamic introduction to the UCPM when they joined a Knowledge Network study visit on 11 and 12 October.
By Knowledge Network – Staff member
The study visit ‘Youth in civil protection and disaster risk management’ was for the emerging generation of people working in civil protection and disaster risk management. Among the participants were professional and volunteer firefighters, students, medical volunteers, civil protection officers, desk officers, advisors, a marine biologist, IT experts, military and police officers.
In all, 47 participants representing 25 UCPM member and participating states were there, along with the ECHO trainees from Directorates A and B dealing with civil protection.
One of ECHO's main activities during the European Year of Youth and the first event of its kind from the Knowledge Network, the study visit gave the emerging generation of the UCPM community a chance to connect with others to learn, share experiences and grow their networks.
"It was interesting to see so much diversity, in terms of countries, culture, and backgrounds: we are university students, volunteers, civil protection professionals. We all have different perspectives."
A busy programme included sessions on the UCPM, training and exercises, early warning systems, workshops on inclusion and diversity and science, and a visit and simulation exercise at the ERCC.
As many of the participants pointed out, Monika Kocinová From Czechia and Jean Marc Guerin from Germany said their favourite part of the two day seminar was the simulation exercise in the ERCC.
“It was so intense and demanding," Monika, who works in the fire rescue service directorate-general in the Czech interior ministry. Jean Marc, a trainee in the ERCC, told us that the simulation was very valuable: “It was extremely challenging to process all the pieces of information that came to our group and we had to do it in a very short time. It was stressful. A very good exercise!"
The event was rounded off by a plenary with UCPM experts sharing their reflections and advice to participants as they establish, or continue, their involvement in the UCPM.
“I was not familiar with the UCPM before, but I learned so much about it here."
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About the author
The Knowledge Network – Staff member
The Knowledge Network editorial team is here to share the news and stories of the Knowledge Network community. We'd love to hear your news, events and personal stories about your life in civil protection and disaster risk management. If you've got a story to share, please contact us.