{"id":2720,"date":"2019-06-26T21:21:45","date_gmt":"2019-06-26T21:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.translatorswithoutborders.org\/blog\/?p=2720"},"modified":"2024-08-22T14:28:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T14:28:52","slug":"mozambique-blog-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/translatorswithoutborders.org\/blog\/mozambique-blog-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting community engagement right from the start: a reflection on the Cyclone Idai humanitarian response"},"content":{"rendered":"

If I had to summarize Translators without Borders\u2019 learning from the Cyclone Idai response, it would be: language support can be a significant tool for effective, accountable humanitarian action. But only if there is a more comprehensive approach to community engagement from the outset.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is one thing to read a statistic about the linguistic diversity and low literacy levels of the population in Mozambique. It is another thing entirely to sit down with a group of Cyclone Idai survivors in Beira and hear it in person. To learn from one person after another that they are unable to communicate with aid workers in a language they understand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"CommunityThis is what TWB\u2019s assessment team and I heard a few weeks ago when we conducted a rapid language assessment in four temporary accommodation sites. We found<\/a> that many people do not understand the main languages and formats used by humanitarian organizations. They voiced frustration about how difficult it is to access information about available assistance. After one of southern Africa\u2019s worst disasters in decades, we learned that much humanitarian communication is failing because it is in the wrong language.<\/p>\n

Today, in the comfort of my home, I\u2019m thinking about what this means. In a way, it shows that humanitarians still fall short of meeting their commitments to \u201cleave no one behind\u201d and \u201cput people at the center.\u201d This is probably not news to many. But it leaves me torn when thinking about the impact of TWB\u2019s language support services in the Cyclone Idai response. Looking at <\/span>our project<\/span><\/a>, I can say we worked with others to strengthen communication with affected people in the relevant languages. But looking at the <\/span>remaining gaps<\/span><\/a>, I am less convinced that our work ensured effective engagement with all those affected from the onset of the response.<\/span><\/p>\n

My point here is not to be skeptical about the first-phase emergency aid delivered in Mozambique. Many communities lost everything due to Cyclone Idai and rely on that aid to rebuild their lives. But I want to reflect on learning in the humanitarian sector. I think we generally try to question ourselves. However, it sometimes feels like we spend more energy evaluating how things went wrong after the fact than we do getting it right up front.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"IOM
Credit: Andrew Lind \/ IOM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In recent years, there has been no shortage of research on the importance of meaningful community engagement. <\/span>Effective two-way communication<\/span><\/a> is an essential element of engagement. Yet, activities aimed at ensuring people\u2019s voices are heard and understood are still implemented as optional ‘add-ons.’ They are rushed, under-resourced or restricted to the later stages of a response. That needs to change.<\/span><\/p>\n

What then, can be done? <\/span><\/h3>\n

For a start, we need to collect and share language data as part of needs assessments. That data is a basis for workable and effective communication strategies. It tells organizations three key things:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n