Red Cross Blogs

Guest blogging from St. Vincent Youth Camp – Part 1

By Jamie
July 28, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Did you know that the British Red Cross has several overseas branches in the Caribbean? As part of the work going on there, the Red Cross is hosting a youth camp for young Red Cross workers in the Caribbean to have an opportunity to interact. The whole idea is to create international friendships, learn from eachother, and work together for the greater good.

Below, are some blog posts sent to me by one of the participants– Jiva Niles of the Anguilla Red Cross. I know this post is quite long, but I hope that it is the most user-friendly way to share his story with you:

Day 1 – 25 July, 2009:

Journey to SVG
Gathering at the airport at 11:30 am was a proud moment after the many months of vigorous fundraising activities. The youth were well attired in their Red Cross field uniform took pictures as they awaited the arrival of LIAT Airline.

Antigua was the first stop to St. Vincent and as we waited there we grew hungry and couldn’t resist the need to purchase something to eat. We were appalled by the ridiculously high food prices, but when hunger ‘comes a callin’ you have to succumb to it.

Arriving in St. Vincent was the proudest moment and as we met up with our friends, the Curacao Red Cross and we all cheered when the plane was turned off after a very smooth flight. However, this joy was briefly disrupted as some persons luggage hadn’t yet arrived. They would be retrieved the following day.

Inspection! Inspection! We were eager to observe our surroundings when we arrived. After completing this, we got something to eat. The following morning we got up 5:00am for a bath and had to wear the emergency clothing in our carry-on. To the surprise of the females, the baths were an outside shower, though there was one inside shower. Nevertheless, we adapted-we had a lot of jokes during bath time and were pleased to know that we were clean to face the upcoming day’s activities.

Day 2 – 26 July, 2009:

Killers on the Road
With regional development there is in turn greater traffic congestion. The workshop on Road Safety began with the facilitator asking Red Cross youth about the road systems in their individual islands. The general feedback given indicated that the automobile and pedestrian accident rate was relatively high. Consequently, the discussion about using sidewalks and pedestrians crossings as precautionary measures arose. However, pedestrian crossings? Are they really safe now of days? Killers on the road! As Red Cross volunteers the facilitator conducted an interactive discussion on measures to how to be ‘Road Smart’ and the youth were left eager to implement such strategies as well as share with other persons.

Blood Donation-The Evolution of Our Time
What was the red substance flowing from our bodies at the site of a fall? Where did it emanate from? These were the questions posed by the facilitator Ms. Ashanta Osbourne-Moses at the beginning of a very engaging and interactive session about blood donation at the Regional Youth Camp in St. Vincent on 26th July 2009. Her delivery was enhanced through the use of a Power Point presentation.

Information about the discovery of blood circulation that was made in 1628 was divulged. Further advancements such as the blood transfusion (which was first tested on animals), the discovery of blood groups and blood banking were also discussed.

Why donate blood? Blood donation is crucial for Accident & Emergency patients that are in need of it. Surgical patients and persons with low blood counts and need blood transfusions. Hence Voluntary Blood Donors is important. You may ask- how will I benefit from donating blood? Vital information can be obtained from donating blood. This is so as questionnaires, Complete Blood Count (CBC’s) and Serology tests are done on blood as a requirement for donating blood. The information divulged makes it possible to keep more accurate records of the Sexually Transmitted Infections, patients with Anaemia and equips Research Doctors with the pertinent information to find cures and remedies.

Through group work and animated exercises, the Workshop on Blood Donation was definitely a success.

Hoorayy!!!!

Day 3 – 27 July, 2009:

Volunteers on the move
Save a life! Safe a life! The volunteer workshop involved youth sharing information about the work they carry out in their individual National Society. The discussion then broke into an engaging discussion where the youth and facilitator spoke about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by them on both a national and regional level.

On attending this workshop, participants are definitely equipped with the necessary information to carry out their responsibilities to serve humanity.

Say No Way to Mari J
The general consensus about the Substance Abuse session was documented to be very enjoyable as well as a very relevant topic for a youth discussion. Aided with a Power Point presentation and participants sharing their knowledge and views about Substance Abuse the types of legal and illegal drugs available were discussed. The discussion depth included the advantages and disadvantages of using drugs, why persons use them and programmes to foster abuse of legal and illegal chemical stimulants.

Time for Lyme
The Youth Camp is scheduled so that the participants still have adequate time for socializing. During the free time the youth were involved in animated games such River Bank Bank, Dog and Bone, dominoes and card games, while some youth took the opportunity to socialize using media as well as interact.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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Tags: anguilla, caribbean, guest blog, overseas branches, st. vincent

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