Distance Learning Modules
Beginning in early 1998, EPRS will be pilot testing two distance learning modules on the UNHCR Intra-Net. These self-study courses follow and complement the other training and capacity-building initiatives described elsewhere in this catalogue.
The first two modules will cover two critical aspects of emergency preparedness and response: contingency planning and operations planning. EPRS plans to make these courses first available to staff either electronically or in the conventional paper format. At a later date, operational partners and/or other UN agencies will be able to access the course materials.
This distance learning initiative is carried out in collaboration with the University of Wisconson-Disaster Management Center who will administer the course on behalf of UNHCR. This course has the added advantage of offering credits towards the UW's Disaster Management Diploma Program.
How to request
Look for a formal announcement on the opening of this course. All details on participation in the course will be covered in this announcement.
Emergency Management Training Programme (EMTP)
The first Emergency Management Training Programme (EMTP) Workshop was held in 1985. In the first 12 years, over 1,500 staff members from UNHCR, NGOs, Governments and other UN agencies have participated in the EMTP. The courses are normally geared to mid-career managers and support staff preferably with some emergency/field experience. The objectives of the programme are to acquaint the participants with the purpose and goals of emergency management, illustrate the needs for general management skills and demonstrate specific applications of emergency management skills to priority areas such as planning, logistics, health, shelter and nutrition, as well as to offer operational partners the opportunity to exchange experience and lessons learned.
While courses were initially held at the University of Wisconsin at Madison USA they have, since 1992, been organized on a regional basis. The intention is to add a regional focus to the training and discussions. Three courses are organized each year. Each course normally lasts 11 days and is attended by some 35 participants. In addition to the standard lecture format, training methods include case studies, problem solving exercises, group discussions, films, a review of current disaster literature and sometimes field visits. Each course includes a one day simulation of a refugee emergency.
Since 1993 courses have been held in the following locations:
Botswana (Gaberone)
Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
Ghana (Accra)
Guinea (Conakry)
Jamaica (Kingston)
Jordan (Amman)
Tanzania (Dar-es-Salaam)
Kyrgzstan (Bishkek)
Nepal (Katmandu)
Senegal (Dakar)
Thailand (Bangkok)
Turkey (Ankara)
Venezuela (Caracas)
Japan (Tokyo)
How to request
Prior to each course, EPRS will decide on the participating countries and the number of UNHCR, NGO, government and other UN participants from each country. UNHCR field offices will normally propose the participants within these categories. EPRS may also identify a small number of participants from outside the region, from the headquarters of NGOs or UN agencies. Agencies and individuals are invited to write to EPRS to express their interest in participating in future courses. While every effort will be made to accommodate such requests, the demand is high and not all requests can be met.
