Emergency Preparedness FAQ

       Nearly all fire protection and emergency services in Paraguay are organized

through volunteer organizations. Local volunteer fire companies are linked by

the National Corps of Voluteer Firefighters of Paraguay (CBVP).

      CBVP coordinates communication, training and resources. About 150 volunteer

companies scattered over an area the size of Kansas and Nebraska serve a

population of 6.5 million. These volunteers are extraordinarily dedicated and

effective in spite of resources that are extremely sparse by USA standards.

Paraguayan firefighters have observed and consulted with counterparts in

Kansas communities. Plans are pending for Kansas firefighters to travel to

Paraguay. Topics have been identified for research in Paraguay that may yield

significant benefit to Kansas counterparts.

     Some resources have been shipped to Paraguay. Plans are pending to collect

and ship significant quantities of surplus equipment. The Paraguayan National

Corps of Volunteer Firefighters will arrange for shipment of filled containers of

equipment.

 

Significant needs for the next stage of the project include:

• Assistance to cultivate and solicit donations of equipment.

• Technical assistance for proper cleaning, packing and perhaps limited repair

of donated equipment.

• Identification and support of appropriate Kansas firefighters to travel to

Paraguay for short and intermediate term cultural exchange.

 

Ways to Become Involved

 

KPP Emergency Preparedness Project Needs

Volunteer Involvement

KPP Emergency Preparedness Committee needs more volunteers to develop

this project. Connections and expertise with emergency services are welcome!

Equipment Needs

There is an acute need for “almost any type” of usable equipment and supplies.

In addition to firefighting and personal protective gear, there is a wish list for EMS

related items. Ultimately, vehicles in serviceable condition are also sought.

KPP seeks donations through appropriate surplus channels and priorities that will

be usable in the Paraguay context. Simple, low-tech, and sustainable solutions

are highly desirable.

To see the complete FAQ document for this Emergency Preparedness project,

please download the two-page summary of specific volunteer and equipment needs:

 

Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheet

 

Kansas Paraguay Partners welcomes opportunities to develop appropriate

collaboration with Kansas fire, EMS and emergency response agencies.

 

To offer donations or inquire about involvement or details,

please contact Steve or Lorraine Richards

at slrichards@cox.net or 316-284-2042.

 

   

Presentation by 2008-2009 KPP Scholarship Winner

Over the weekend, Matt Hoge, a KU graduate student in Latin American Studies, gave a comprehensive overview of his experiences, observations and some conclusions about the usage of microfinance in Paraguay to participants in the 2009 Annual meeting of the Kansas Paraguay Partners. Matt was selected for the 2008-2009 KPP Scholarship and worked as an intern with Fundación Paraguaya, studying microfinance as a strategy for economic development in Paraguay.

You can download and view his powerpoint presentation below.

Click to download:

Experiences with Microfinance in Paraguay by Matt Hoge, KU