ISLAMABAD April 13, 2012: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has trained over 250 volunteers across Pakistan to cope with the monsoon challenges and minimize the risk of disasters at its weeklong 4th National Youth &Volunteer Camp that concluded here on Friday.

PRCS Chairman Maj General (retd) Ch Muhammad Nawaz while addressing the participants of the closing ceremony of the youth camp said that the PRCS is using its all available resources to provide training to the volunteers as they are the backbone of the Society activities and operations.

General Nawaz said that at national level the Society is trying to create an enabling environment to foster volunteerism in the country for culture of humanity and non-violence and to promote the fundamental principles of the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement in all segments of the society.

He urged the volunteers to actively participate in the PRCS activities and use what they have learnt here in a best possible way to serve the vulnerable.

He said that the aim of the camp is to develop volunteer skills through additional responsibilities for a wide-range of activities, that include emergency services, rescue and relief operations in natural and man-induced disasters, youth programs, blood donor recruitment, community based disaster preparedness, community based first aid, fund raising & in Re-establishing Family Links. The Chairman also administered oath to the volunteers.

PRCS Secretary General Brig Dr Mahboob Sardar speaking on the occasion said that the Red Crescent is organizing this national camp for the last four years and, the PRCS is proud to say that its volunteers base is increasing day by day that has helped us in smooth functioning of our operations and relief and health activities all over the country.

He said during disasters of earthquake of October 2005, floods of July 2007 in Sindh and Baluchistan and recent 2008 Earthquake in Baluchistan, Internally Displaced Persons Crisis, Floods 2010 and Sindh Floods 2011, the Pakistan Red Crescent Staff and volunteers, with the support of Movement Partners were first to reach the disaster areas and have worked tirelessly to provide relief assistance and medical care to millions of people and to continue in this area when others have pulled out.

He said that Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is accepted to mobilize large number of youth volunteers, coordinate activities of youth - involving organizations, promote good volunteer management practices and advocate value of volunteerism in Pakistan. The PRCS focuses on successful infusion of spirit of selfless service to needy people without discrimination of class, color and creed through youth volunteers affiliated to its programs and activities.

He hoped that this event will give an opportunity to youth to enhance their awareness; share experiences to contribute positively towards sustainable development and build their capacity thus make the world an abode of peace, tranquility and harmony for the people of the world to live together.

The PRCS volunteers also demonstrated rescue exercises and later they were given certificates and shields by the PRCS Chairman.