In every humanitarian disaster, we encounter people who are left without access to electricity, drinking water and basic sanitation, surviving in makeshift shelters, lacking basic food and hygiene products. They are left without jobs and a stable income, many children are out of school, and even the municipality has no idea how many people are left and who is living where.

There was no need to simulate this situation at all, because this is a common picture of the conditions in which many people still live in marginalised Roma settlements. ADRA's Rapid Response Crisis Team conducted a needs assessment, assessed the situation and provided assistance in the settlement of Rakúsy.

A total of 40 participants from 16 countries (Brazil, USA, Australia, Lebanon, Syria, Germany, France, Hungary, Spain, Estonia, Sweden, Ukraine, England, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Slovakia) formed a real international rapid deployment crisis team.

A list of families with more than four minors or disabled children or in a difficult social situation was created in agreement with the local authorities and fieldwork coordinators. As part of a rapid needs survey (Rapid Needs Assessment) The teams, together with local fieldwork coordinators, first visited 80 families and then assessed their situation and most urgent needs.

What did we find? In the study group of 80 families, there are a total of 588 people, 62 boys and 47 girls of pre-school age, 178 school children (90 boys / 88 girls).

Only 24 families have piped water at home, 52 families fetch water from a public source using a prepaid smart card. Only 23 families have a toilet in the house and 57 families reported that they do not even have a latrine and go outside to use the toilet - even in winter. Only 9 families have a legal connection to an electricity source, most draw electricity through an extension cord from neighbours, and 17 families have no electricity at all.

Of the 40 boys of secondary school age, 13 are in education, the remaining 27 are unemployed. The same age category includes 29 girls, of whom 6 are studying, 2 are working and 21 are unemployed. For young people of secondary school age who are neither in school nor in employment, this poses a major problem for the future. The most common needs mentioned by the residents were: clothes, shoes, the need for renovation work, furniture and equipment (most often a new stove or solid fuel stove).

The Rapid Response Crisis Team prepared a study, the results of which were presented at a personal meeting with the Mayor as well as with the fieldwork coordinators. They were not so surprised by the figures. But even the local coordinators, when they entered the modest dwellings with us, expressed surprise at the conditions in which some people were still living.

Practical help. After assessing the needs, the teams concluded that the most effective quick help was to provide financial assistance in the form of prepaid cards to purchase goods.
In cooperation with the LIDL branch in Kežmarok, we prepared a special edition of humanitarian gift cards worth €20 and €10, which people could use to buy basic food and hygiene products (but not alcohol and cigarettes).

The teams handed over the cards in person to 103 families in greatest social need. During the third field visit, they monitored how people used the cards and how much it helped them.

Successful graduates completed the crisis intervention training with an international certificate. ADRA International now has an additional team of professionals ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 48 hours of a disaster or humanitarian crisis to reinforce local teams and coordinate humanitarian aid.

And what did the trainees say?
„We have tried all possible extreme situations. From the truly superior care at the Bachledka Hotel to the most miserable misery of the people in the shacks in the settlement. From the mud, dirt and garbage to the beauty of the mountains of the High Tatras National Park. And this is what life is all about.“
„The personal encounters with the poorest have been the most powerful.“
„We couldn't talk, but we could smile,“ said Lama from Syria, who almost became a godmother to a newborn in one of the houses. That's something you just don't forget.

And believe me, I wouldn't be afraid to step in with this team to help with any disaster in the world.