What will young people learn?
They will learn the complexities of providing for people’s basic needs – food, shelter, water, health and security.
They will also learn other skills including:
- empathy with those affected by disasters and conflicts
- first aid
- critical thinking
- teamwork, problem-solving and communication
- planning and prioritising
- negotiation and complex decision making.
What are the objectives?
- To explore how individuals and communities are affected by disasters and emergencies or war and conflict.
- To understand how the Red Cross responds to emergencies.
- To learn about the importance of local knowledge for aid organisations when they are responding to emergencies.
- To understand the short and long-term needs of communities.
How does it work?
Before the participants start the activities, you’ll need to set up your space – this can be indoors or outdoors. You’ll then need to set the scene, create teams and assign each team a trained facilitator. Peer educators can also help facilitate.
The teams of participants take on the role of Red Cross workers, recruited from around the world to help respond to the emergency.
Before they start work they’ll need some preparation:
- learning how to assess people’s needs
- keeping themselves safe from landmines
- planning a camp
- learning some first aid to treat the injured.
Once their camp is built they’ll learn how to help reunite separated families.
Is there training available for teachers?
Yes. We are producing an Operation Amphibian training pack which will include both the disasters and emergencies and the conflict role plays.
We will be running a number of two-day training events in early 2010 for teachers and other educators. It is also open to young people wanting to run the activity.
Day one
Participants will take part in the activity and learn about the Red Cross’ work in disasters and emergencies.
Day two
Participants will receive training in the methodologies used to run Operation Amphibian.
Training dates and costs will be available in early 2010. Schools and other organisations wishing to host training events will be offered reduced rates.
To register your interest in Operation Amphibian training, please email reducation@redcross.org.uk with your contact details.
Where can I find the support materials referred to in the Operation Amphibian resource pack?
We've included everything you need to run your own activity in the resource pack, and here you can find additional copies of the support materials in both Word, and PDF format to download as many times as you need to.
Download the file of your choice now to get:
- evaluation forms
- an A4 poster to promote your activity
- certificates
- SOS cards
- country badges
- landmine markers
- landslide markers
- water source markers.
We've also produced this handy Powerpoint presentation, available online only, designed to introduce Operation Amphibian to new participants. | 
