Final Day: CIVA and QGIS Training

The final day of training emphasized practical applications for creating a Safe and Resilient Church. Participants reflected on Inclusivity as a central theme, with discussions on how the Church can work across denominational lines to foster resilience, as disasters affect everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.

The group explored the importance of community engagement and preparation before outreach, ensuring that resilience efforts are inclusive and aligned with broader community frameworks. They also discussed how resilience initiatives must align with global goals like the SDGs, highlighting the need for resources, mentoring, and partnerships to sustain efforts.

Participants shared reflections on the importance of using their platforms, such as worship settings and community groups, to raise awareness and foster preparedness. They emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration and relationship-building within and beyond their communities.

The training was seen as a call to action, urging participants to take what they’ve learned and apply it as facilitators in their contexts. The importance of tangible demonstrations of resilience to parishioners and the wider community was highlighted, as well as the need for sustained commitment, even as technical mastery of tools like QGIS evolves.

The session closed with a collective affirmation of the program’s significance, focusing on trust and collaboration as essential elements of resilience. Plans were made for follow-up actions, including updating parish records, launching campaigns, and continuing training. The day concluded with a farewell dinner celebration of the group’s achievements and strengthened bonds, setting a hopeful foundation for future work.