Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Campuses

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is a UK-based coalition of 15 leading charities that work together to raise funds and awareness for international disaster relief efforts. While not a traditional educational institution, the DEC headquarters serves as a central hub for coordination, training, and capacity-building activities related to humanitarian response and disaster management.

• Humanitarian Response Training: Programs focus on rapid assessment, logistics, and coordination in crisis situations, equipping staff and partners with skills to deliver aid effectively during emergencies like earthquakes, floods, and conflicts.
• Fundraising and Advocacy Workshops: Courses cover public engagement strategies, media relations, and digital campaigning to mobilize public support and donations for disaster appeals.
• Disaster Risk Reduction Education: Sessions on preparedness, resilience-building, and community-based mitigation, drawing from real-world case studies such as responses to the 2010 Haiti earthquake or the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Modules: Training in impact assessment, accountability to affected populations, and ethical fundraising practices to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
• Partnership and Collaboration Seminars: Emphasizing inter-agency cooperation, cultural sensitivity, and gender-inclusive approaches in humanitarian work.

These 'courses' are primarily internal professional development and collaborative initiatives rather than formal academic programs. The DEC leverages expertise from member charities like British Red Cross, Oxfam, and Save the Children to foster a skilled network of responders. Over the years, the organization has coordinated 28 major appeals, raising over £2 billion, highlighting the practical application of knowledge gained through these activities. Training emphasizes real-time adaptability, ethical considerations, and long-term recovery strategies, ensuring aid reaches those in need efficiently. Participants often include NGO staff, volunteers, and international partners, promoting a global perspective on disaster response. The headquarters facilitates these through workshops, simulations, and online modules, adapting to evolving challenges like climate change-induced disasters.