Risk Communication and Community Engagement

RISK COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (RCCE)

Report: Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE)

Background: The second wave of Covid-19 wreaked havoc on our healthcare system, leading to unprecedented challenges. With hospitals overwhelmed and severe shortages of oxygen, the crisis affected people of all ages and backgrounds. Amid this chaos, misinformation about Covid-19 and vaccines spread rapidly, fueled by viral videos and false claims.

In response, Caritas India, in collaboration with CRS, launched the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) program to combat these myths and ensure that communities receive accurate, actionable information to manage and mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

Goal: Reduce the spread of Covid-19 and decrease the number of Covid-related deaths.

Objectives

Planned Interventions and Expected Outcomes

The RCCE program focuses on providing accurate and timely information to communities, countering misinformation, and encouraging Covid Appropriate Behavior. Key areas of focus include:

Target Groups

Strategy

The RCCE program is guided by four key strategic pillars:

Empowering Animation: Caritas Samaritans will lead the initiative, driving community engagement and encouraging participation.
Dialogue: Foster open, verified communication between the organization, government departments, volunteers, and communities.
Volunteering: Expand and strengthen the volunteer network, with Caritas Samaritans at the forefront of the RCCE rollout.
Sharing Community: Build a sense of community responsibility, ensuring mutual support and collective action to overcome challenges.

Target: Engage 1,000 volunteers to reach 500 families each within six months, aiming to impact a total of 500,000 families by the end of the program.

Time Frame:

Duration: 6 months
Weekly Meetings: Virtual meetings at the Karnataka Forum level
Monthly Meetings: National level progress reviews
Conclusion Date: December 15, 2021

Activities:

Safety Kits: Procure and distribute safety kits to staff and volunteers.
Volunteer Support: Provide ongoing support to volunteers, addressing their challenges and needs.
Reporting: Prepare and submit monthly and weekly reports, and conduct regular progress updates and light monitoring.

Together, through dedicated effort and community solidarity, we aim to overcome the pandemic’s challenges and safeguard the health and well-being of our communities.

Regional Accompaniment Programme

KROSS, with support from Caritas India, is focused on integrating marginalized communities through the following core values of Catholic Social Teachings (CSTs):

Empowering Animation
Dialogue
Volunteerism
Sharing Communities

Approach:

Promotion of Local Leaders
Promotion of Laudato Si (Care for Creation)
Promotion of Volunteers
Resource Mobilization

Project Details:

Goal: By September 2021, 17 trained facilitators will have empowered 600 leaders from People-Led Organizations to understand and promote the Key Strategic Pillars and Approaches.

Specific Objectives:

Objective 1: By September 2021, identify and train 600 leaders from People-Led Organizations on Key Strategic Pillars and Approaches.
Objective 2: By September 2021, implement Green environment practices in Karnataka through dialogue with nature.
Objective 3: By September 2021, ensure Karnataka Mercy Warriors embody the values of Key Strategic Pillars and Approaches and provide timely support in emergencies.
Objective 4: By September 2021, mobilize resources through networking, lobbying, and campaigns.