?SMART? Project Continues with launch of Gender Assessment Survey Sint Maarten Residents Invited to Share their Stories during Surveys, July 16-17
Sint. Maarten, July 07th , 2022?The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), European Union (EU) and Government of Sint Maarten announce the public launch of the gender assessment survey in partnership with the American University of the Caribbean (AUC), an Adtalem medical school located in Sint Maarten. The survey seeks to collect valuable information that will guide the ?SMART? Shelters Project, a project that involves the construction, outfitting and pre-stocking of two SMART multipurpose shelters, a gender impact assessment and training in shelter management and disaster risk management.
With financial support from the EU, technical cooperation from PAHO and guidance of the Government of Sint Maarten, AUC will conduct the needed surveys to determine how gender equality and women's participation relate directly to risks and vulnerabilities before, during and in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters. These surveys will ensure a, clearer understanding of the needs of residents, despite social determinants, particularly economic and gender inequalities, to facilitate better preparation for future disasters, including hurricanes.
AUC ?doctors in training? will work with volunteers from the Red Cross and government partners to begin surveying the Sint Maarten community on Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17, 2022. Survey stations will be set up at local churches and grocery stores, inviting persons to participate in a brief survey to share details of how they received disaster assistance in the past, what they thought was helpful and what they think might help in the future. Locations will be:
July 16
· Sunny Foods: 1-3 p.m.
· Cost Pro: 1-3 p.m.
· Fairway Mark It: 1-4 p.m.
July 17
· Fairway Mark It: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
· Cost Pro: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
· Sunny Foods: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
· St. Peters Community Center: 1-4 p.m.
· New Light Church: 1:30-3 p.m.
The surveys will be anonymous and personal information, including names, will not be shared. Participants will receive a $10 grocery store gift card or $10 Telcell card. By means of this survey and other interventions, the community will have direct input in the development of the SMART
multipurpose shelters, which will provide a safe haven for residents before, during and after an emergency.
The Head of the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), Chantale George-Groeneveldt stated that the department is, ? thrilled to be working closely with PAHO and AUC on such an important issue, so we can help improve Sint Maarten?s disaster readiness to make its residents feel safer and more prepared for any future natural occurrences,?. ?Collaborating with organizations who can engage the community to participate in their future is a true blessing,? She added.
To learn more about disaster preparation efforts, visit PAHO. To participate in the survey, visit one of the public locations on July 16-17, 2022.
