Success Story of Eyad Dawood – Conflict Preparedness and Protection Trainer in the Northern West Bank
My journey with The Palestinian Association for Empowerment and Local Development— REFORM began as a volunteer in early 2021. Through this experience, I had the chance to contribute to several impactful projects, including the "Youth Led Action" project, which significantly enhanced my skills and expertise in community work.
At the beginning of 2024, I had the opportunity to join a new project titled "Palestine Emergency Early Response" funded by Norwegian People's Aid (NPA). The project focuses on enhancing awareness, preparedness, and protection during crises. Although initially hesitant, I chose to participate and enroll in a Training of Trainers (TOT) emergency response, conflict preparedness, and crisis management, which focused on two key areas:
CPP (Conflict Preparedness and Protection): This area focused on safeguarding individuals during conflicts by preparing secure homes and rooms, ensuring the safety of children, the elderly, the sick, and people with disabilities, understanding the concept and components of an emergency bag, and addressing protection measures both inside and outside the home.
EORE (Explosive Ordnance Risk Education): This area emphasized safely handling war remnants. It covered identifying different types, recognizing potential locations, following proper procedures when encountering such remnants, and knowing which authorities to contact.
After completing intensive training and passing the certification exam, I became a certified trainer with the Association. Since then, I have been actively promoting awareness on these critical topics. In the first phase of the "PEER" project, I facilitated five training sessions in Qalqilya Governorate, helping to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed for preparedness and safety.
Following the successful implementation of these sessions, I underwent an evaluation by an internal committee within the Association. I was then selected from a pool of trainers to move on to the second phase of the “PEER II” project. During this phase, I facilitated eleven additional training sessions across Qalqilya Governorate and two sessions in Tulkarem City. Despite facing various challenges during implementation, each session was successfully carried out, further advancing the project’s goals.
We also focused on engaging people with disabilities, including physical, visual, intellectual, and developmental. Recognizing their integral role in society, we raised awareness among them and their families through our awareness-raising sessions, training them on evacuation plans for safe areas and emphasizing the importance of each household having someone capable of supporting their needs.
This experience marked a significant turning point in my career, transitioning from a volunteer to a specialized CPP and EORE trainer. It reinforced the critical importance of these trainings amid the ongoing challenges Palestine faces, including the war on the Gaza Strip and West Bank. I am committed to continuing my efforts to raise awareness among as many individuals as possible, driven by a deep belief in the necessity of fostering a culture of preparedness and protection within our communities.
