Pilot Self Reliance Strategy unveiled to NaCSA Staff

A one-day staff induction course on the Pilot Self Reliance Strategy (SRS) for NaCSA staff members has ended at the Blama Way Station in Kenema District.
Delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony, the NaCSA Regional Coordinator, East, Moses Gbouma reminded staff that the Pilot SRS project was an opportunity for staff to learn lessons that could be translated into reality during the implementation of the SRS scheme in January 2008.
He appealed to staff to be committed to their responsibilities and be mindful of the duration of the pilot project, which ends on the 31st December 2007, pointing out that by that date the refugee beneficiaries and the host community members in the Pilot project areas would have had an insight into the SRS Scheme.
The NaCSA Regional Coordinator cautioned the Pilot Project designers to also be very mindful of the beneficiary communities so that the project would address their needs.
The UNHCR Head of Sub Office in Kenema, Joseph Bagui, said that the Pilot SRS is a tool that empowers refugees to be locally integrated into rural host communities, saying that the project cannot succeed without support from the national government.
Mr. Bagui also described the pilot project as the best initiative that can guide the refugees in taking informed decision to integrate into the host communities and he appealed to the NaCSA staff to give the attention it deserves.
Meanwhile Mr. Bagui disclosed that the UNHCR Sub Offices in Kailahun and Zimmi Makpele have been closed down.
The NaCSA District Humanitarian Officer Kenema, Moriba Foday, gave an overview of staff functions, liaison with local communities, line Ministries and District Councils, while his Counterpart in Bo, Sheku Turay presented a paper on Operational control and camp environment, in relation to the SRS pilot project.
The Camp Superintendent at Jembe camp, Alhaji F K. Daramy presented a paper on the SRS local integration while the NaCSA Information Officer, Paul K. Joseph delivered a statement on sensitization messages on the SRS pilot Project.