Can Youth, in partnership with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), held a preparatory meeting for Community First Responder (CFR) Training with the Ward Councilors of Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), led by Chairperson Lhousito Khro, and representatives from Dhansiripar and Doyapur, at the DC Conference Hall, Chümoukedima on 18 June 2025 at 11:00 AM.
During the meeting, Dr Kuzonyi Wideo, Additional Deputy Commissioner and CEO of DDMA Chümoukedima, introduced the objective of the preparatory meeting and underscored the importance of CFR training. Rendemo Shitio, Nodal Officer, DDMA Chümoukedima, emphasized the critical role of Community First Responders (CFRs) during disasters. He stated that even with limited personnel, effective action is what truly matters.
Highlighting the likelihood of increasing disaster intensity in the coming years, he stressed the need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
He pointed out challenges such as narrow roads that hinder emergency access, which underscores the importance of CFRs in reaching affected areas quickly. Shitio further stated that CFRs are essential not only during disasters but also in other emergencies. He urged CTC Councilors to send youth volunteers under CTC to actively participate in the upcoming CFR training and related activities. He also highlighted the formation of Ward Disaster Management Authorities in urban areas.
Jenpu Rhakho Rongmei, Founder and Chief Functionary of Can Youth, highlighted the significance of Community First Responder training, focusing on both its pre-training and post-training impacts. He shared that the first and second phases of the training were successfully conducted in Dimapur with the support of the Dimapur District Administration and the Dimapur Municipal Council.
Rongmei emphasized that CFR training is not only about disaster response but also about fostering community unity and networks during crises. The initiative is currently focused on two districts — Dimapur and Chümoukedima — with key areas of training including first aid, CPR, and rescue operations.
Referring to past fire and flood incidents in Dimapur, he stressed the importance of readiness and community response. He mentioned that trainees will be assigned thematic roles — such as fire rescue, first aid, and community awareness — based on their strengths. He also encouraged greater participation of women, recognizing their crucial role in building community resilience.
The preparatory meeting was chaired by Nuyelu Nyekha, Program Manager, Can Youth, and began with a prayer by Zhove Lohe, Secretary and Director, Can Youth.