Oxfam is looking to tap the IT skills of multinational
companies in the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami
disaster.
The charity wants to set up long-term relationships with companies
that have IT staff and resources around the world that they can
make available in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Oxfam also wants to be able to tap into the skills of UK-based IT
professionals to fill any gaps in its own IT operations caused by
key members of its IT department travelling to disaster zones to
provide on-the-spot IT support to survivors and aid workers.
"We have been particularly struck by the offers of help from
individuals and companies in the IT sector, where there is an
overwhelming sense of wanting to do something to make a
difference," said Simon Jennings, Oxfam's head of information
services.
Jennings, who co-ordinated Oxfam's IT-based relief after the
tsunami, is trying to establish a structure that will get the most
from the offers of help that always follow tragedies.
His initial aim is to develop relationships with companies rather
than with individual volunteers who, he said, might best channel
their skills through the IT4Communities initiative.
"One of the most complex IT issues in humanitarian response is
fielding experienced staff, as these inevitably stop other work to
attend the disaster site. This then leads to 'backfill'
requirements, typically in our country offices around the world,"
said Jennings.
"This is an area where we might further develop relationships with
companies that want to help Oxfam, both in the short term and in
preparing for future responses."
Businesses interested in getting involved should contact Oxfam's
corporate partnerships team
Tel: 01865-312 012
E-mail: companies@oxfam.org.uk
Information for individuals wishing to volunteer their IT skills
for charity
IT4Communities >>