Workshop Sparks Innovative Ideas for MEWS Enhancement
Hargeisa, Somaliland – Shaqodoon, in collaboration with SomReP and the Somaliland National Disaster Preparedness and Food Reserve Authority (NADFOR), recently participated in a transformative design workshop aimed at revolutionizing the Mobile Early Warning System (MEWS). The workshop brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to address current challenges and explore innovative solutions for enhancing the system’s effectiveness in safeguarding communities against natural and human-made disaster
The day began with a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose as participants from government bodies, local NGOs, and international organizations gathered to discuss the future of disaster preparedness in Somaliland. Sharmake Ibrahim from NADFOR set the stage, emphasizing the crucial role of MEWS in building community resilience. “A robust early warning system is essential for our communities to withstand and recover from crises,” he noted. “Collaboration among all stakeholders is the key to strengthening this lifeline.”
Kamal Farah from SomReP highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technology into resilience programs. “By leveraging modern technological solutions, we can transform how MEWS operates, enabling faster responses and better preparedness,” he explained. His words resonated with participants, many of whom were eager to explore how technology could be harnessed to enhance the system’s capabilities.
Shaqodoon’s Technology for Development unit took the audience on a journey through the evolution of early warning systems. Using examples from regional and international contexts, they showcased how advanced MEWS implementations have empowered communities, reduced vulnerabilities, and saved lives. “MEWS is more than just a technological tool; it’s a bridge between communities and the resources they need to stay safe,” explained a Shaqodoon representative. The presentation ignited a lively discussion among participants, who were inspired to think creatively about the future of MEWS in Somaliland.
The workshop featured a series of interactive sessions designed to foster innovative thinking and active participation. During the stakeholder mapping exercise, participants identified key actors involved in the MEWS ecosystem, from government agencies to community leaders and local NGOs. This activity underscored the importance of each stakeholder’s role in creating a cohesive and effective early warning system.
In the empathy mapping session, participants stepped into the shoes of different user groups, such as technical users, community members, and government officials. This exercise provided a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by each group, from the complexity of the technology for technical users to the accessibility of information for community members. These insights were crucial in identifying how MEWS could be adapted to better serve its diverse user base.
One of the highlights of the day was the practical demonstration at NADFOR’s action room. Participants observed the current MEWS in real-time, gaining a firsthand understanding of its operations—from data collection and analysis to information dissemination. This hands-on experience was eye-opening, revealing both the strengths of the existing system and areas where it could be improved. “Seeing the system in action brought everything into perspective,” remarked one participant. “It’s clear that while we’ve made great strides, there’s still much we can do to enhance MEWS for our communities.”
The workshop concluded with a dynamic brainstorming session, where participants proposed actionable solutions to the challenges identified throughout the day. Ideas ranged from expanding communication channels to include local radio and social media, to implementing more rigorous data collection and verification processes. These discussions laid the groundwork for a strategic plan to upgrade the MEWS, ensuring it is more robust, responsive, and user-friendly.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for a Resilient Future
Shaqodoon, with its expertise in developing innovative technological solutions, is committed to collaborating with its partners to turn these ideas into reality. By harnessing advanced technologies and the insights gained from the workshop, Shaqodoon aims to help create a more effective and inclusive early warning system that empowers communities and enhances disaster preparedness across Somaliland.
“We are excited to be part of this journey toward a stronger MEWS,” said a Shaqodoon spokesperson. “Together, we can build a system that not only warns communities of impending threats but also equips them with the knowledge and resources to respond effectively.”
This workshop was more than just a day of discussions; it was a catalyst for change, sparking innovative ideas and forging new partnerships that will shape the future of disaster resilience in Somaliland.