Africa-Press – Seychelles. The Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) was recently represented by its logistics officer, Michel Simeon, at a regional refresher training held at the Indian Ocean Regional Intervention Platform (PIROI) Centre in Ste Marie, Réunion.
The workshop, which took place from May 19 to 21, 2025, brought together logistics officers from Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte.
The main objective of the training was to review the ongoing challenges faced by each National Society’s logistics teams and to discuss strategic directions for future improvements. Participants engaged in practical exercises aimed at strengthening procurement procedures and aligning internal processes with PIROI’s operational standards, particularly for project-specific needs. These hands-on sessions allowed officers to exchange insights, propose solutions, and build technical capacity essential for effective logistics coordination.
A key feature of the training was a guided tour of PIROI’s newly constructed logistics centre. The state-of-the-art warehouse, capable of storing emergency relief supplies for more than 25,000 people, showcased advanced systems for regional stock management and preparedness. For many participants, including Mr Simeon, this provided valuable insight into efficient warehousing and emergency logistics practices that can be adapted within their own National Societies.
As part of the programme, an external consultant also conducted a survey with all participating officers. The survey sought feedback on the quality of services provided by PIROI, the operational experiences of officers across the region, and their perspectives on addressing recurring constraints. While some officers noted that forms and procedures can be complex at times, the overall feedback was positive. Most participants expressed satisfaction with the services provided by PIROI, acknowledging their reliability and value in supporting timely humanitarian responses.
To complement the structured training, the logistics officers took the initiative to establish a WhatsApp group to facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration. This informal platform is now a space for the exchange of best practices, real-time updates, and peer support, particularly during emergency operations. It plays a crucial role in maintaining regional connectivity and fostering a strong network of mutual assistance beyond the training itself.
For RCSS, the refresher training marks an important milestone in strengthening its logistics preparedness and regional engagement.
Mr Simeon returned with a deeper understanding of regional systems, renewed technical knowledge, and practical strategies that can be implemented locally.
The alignment of RCSS logistics systems with regional standards improves cross-border coordination and enables quicker, more effective humanitarian action.
Importantly, the training also highlighted the role of logistics officers in contributing to long-term planning and resilience-building.
By participating in strategic discussions and sharing experiences, the officers are now better positioned to shape the direction of logistics coordination across the Indian Ocean region.
In summary, the training initiative in Réunion not only enhanced the individual capacity of logistics personnel but also reinforced RCSS’s broader ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
It represents a shared commitment among regional National Societies to strengthen cooperation, build resilience, and deliver timely humanitarian support where it is most needed.
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