Saturday, January 31, 2015



FREE LIBRARY RESOURCES


The following publications by the same authors, as well as others from HelmAid (Humanitarian Electronic Library Materials), can be down loaded free from www.networklearning.org or www.obooko.com.

1 Development


An Exploration of the Disengagement Strategies of International Humanitarian and Development Organisations in Sri Lanka.
Walker A (2011).

It is generally accepted that an overarching objective of humanitarian activity is to ensure sustainability after withdrawal. Yet in Sri Lanka, International Humanitarian Development Organisations (IHDOs) may not be leaving sustainable mechanisms and structures in place. Lack of considering and implementing effective disengagement can lead to local dependence in the longer term. This situation is explored and challenged. Alternative measures and recommendations for more effective IHDO disengagement strategies are proposed.

This report was awarded an MSc (Distinction) by the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Tsunami resistant houses.
Thusyanthan I and Madabhushi G (2008).

This paper presents the results of model tests that compare the impact of a tsunami wave on a typical coastal house with that on a new ‘tsunami resistant’ design developed in the USA and now built in Sri Lanka. In January 2010 the authors were awarded the Bill Curtin prize by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for the Best Paper in the 'ICE Civil Engineering' magazine.
                                                                                         

2 Emergency


Structures for the Displaced: Service and Identity in Refugee Settlements. Kennedy J (2008).

This excellent interdisciplinary PhD thesis draws on experiences from many countries and develops a tool that can be applied in camps for refugees or displaced people where the lifespan of the camp is undetermined.

(N.B. Only the first two pages are in Dutch: the rest of the document is in English).
                                                                                         
Towards a Rationalisation of the Construction of Refugee Camps. Kennedy J (2004).

James Kennedy is a Master of Architecture in Human Settlements. He has a wealth of experience of working with refugees and constructing camps in Africa and Asia.
(N.B.  When this MA thesis opens, the top of the first page is blank so please scroll down to see the content).
                                                                                         
Better Ways to Prepare for Emergencies.
Walker B (2012)

This booklet is a simple introduction to preparation for emergencies. A glossary of terms, activities and an agenda are provided for use in a training workshop.

The CD library indicated on the front cover of the download is not available with this electronic edition but it can be obtained free from helmhelp@gmail.com.
                                                                                         

The Application of Sphere Minimum Standards in Camp Design - a simulation.
Walker B (2004)

This well-tested exercise is suitable for the afternoon of a one-day workshop for an Introduction to Sphere when the morning has been spent reviewing the Humanitarian Charter and the Technical Chapters of the Sphere Minimum Standards. It can be adapted for an outdoor activity.

Dignified Village Life for the Displaced.
Fardanesh G and Walker B (2003)

A paper first published in Forced Migration Review 12(1), 22-24.

                                                                                         

3 Further Studies


How to Succeed with Distance Education.
Walker B (2014)

This simple guide was first written in 2001 for UNHCR’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Section in Sri Lanka. Since then it has been revised several times in response to comments from students.


Refugees and Internally Displaced People.
Walker B (2005)

This module was first drafted in 2003 to introduce the UNHCR eCentre programme. It assumes familiarity with the Distance Learning Study Guide. While some of the statistics are outdated by recent conflicts, natural disasters and the situation in Sri Lanka, the module still serves to introduce distance learning study especially in the field of emergency management.
                                                                                                     
                                                                                         

4 General Work Application


How to Succeed in Your Work.
Walker B (2012)

This is a box of tools for any who are embarking on careers and who may have little access to Internet - apart from this initial download. Each tool is self-contained and can be used at whatever stage you are in: you do not need to read the book from cover to cover.
                                                                                         

 

5 Health


Better Ways to Stay Healthy in Asian Tropics - with particular reference to Sri Lanka.
Patel K and Walker B (2009)

An entertaining guide to staying healthy. Originally written specifically for Sri Lanka, the principles apply to anybody visiting tropical Asia. You will need to check current vaccination requirements and medications for specific countries.                    

                                                                                         
Good news for people with impaired vision. (2009)

Adaptive Eyecare was founded by Oxford Physics Professor Joshua Silver, who is now director of the non-profit Centre for Vision in the Developing World at the University of Oxford UK. There is currently a large unmet need for corrective eyewear throughout the developing world. Adaptive Eyecare has worked on this problem since 1996, investigating novel strategies which may prove effective as part of a solution. If you would like to know more about this work, please send an Email to info@adaptive-eyecare.org.
                                                                                                     
                                                                                         
Having Healthy Babies: a Snakes and Ladders game for education. Sugathapala M and Walker B (2009)

This game was originally designed for a national campaign by the Birth Defects Research Unit in Sri Lanka. It has been updated with additional notes and redesigned by Jon Anderson who works for www.networklearning.org.                                                      
                                                                                         

6 Management


Better Ways to Manage Meetings.
Walker B (2012)

Formal meetings are part of a normal way of life. Some are good: others boring or bad. This will help chairpersons, minutes recorders and participants make meetings better.
                                                                                         






Please contact the authors through helmhelp@gmail.com with your views and comments. We are particularly interested to hear of changes or additions to website addresses.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Humanitarian Electronic Library Materials



FREE LIBRARY RESOURCES


The following publications by the same authors, as well as others from HelmAid (Humanitarian Electronic Library Materials), can be down loaded free from www.networklearning.org or www.obooko.com.

1 Development


An Exploration of the Disengagement Strategies of International Humanitarian and Development Organisations in Sri Lanka.
Walker A (2011).

It is generally accepted that an overarching objective of humanitarian activity is to ensure sustainability after withdrawal. Yet in Sri Lanka, International Humanitarian Development Organisations (IHDOs) may not be leaving sustainable mechanisms and structures in place. Lack of considering and implementing effective disengagement can lead to local dependence in the longer term. This situation is explored and challenged. Alternative measures and recommendations for more effective IHDO disengagement strategies are proposed.

This report was awarded an MSc (Distinction) by the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Tsunami resistant houses.
Thusyanthan I and Madabhushi G (2008).

This paper presents the results of model tests that compare the impact of a tsunami wave on a typical coastal house with that on a new ‘tsunami resistant’ design developed in the USA and now built in Sri Lanka. In January 2010 the authors were awarded the Bill Curtin prize by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for the Best Paper in the 'ICE Civil Engineering' magazine.
                                                                                         

2 Emergency


Structures for the Displaced: Service and Identity in Refugee Settlements. Kennedy J (2008).

This excellent interdisciplinary PhD thesis draws on experiences from many countries and develops a tool that can be applied in camps for refugees or displaced people where the lifespan of the camp is undetermined.

(N.B. Only the first two pages are in Dutch: the rest of the document is in English).
                                                                                         
Towards a Rationalisation of the Construction of Refugee Camps. Kennedy J (2004).

James Kennedy is a Master of Architecture in Human Settlements. He has a wealth of experience of working with refugees and constructing camps in Africa and Asia.
(N.B.  When this MA thesis opens, the top of the first page is blank so please scroll down to see the content).
                                                                                         
Better Ways to Prepare for Emergencies.
Walker B (2012)

This booklet is a simple introduction to preparation for emergencies. A glossary of terms, activities and an agenda are provided for use in a training workshop.

The CD library indicated on the front cover of the download is not available with this electronic edition but it can be obtained free from helmhelp@gmail.com.
                                                                                         

The Application of Sphere Minimum Standards in Camp Design - a simulation.
Walker B (2004)

This well-tested exercise is suitable for the afternoon of a one-day workshop for an Introduction to Sphere when the morning has been spent reviewing the Humanitarian Charter and the Technical Chapters of the Sphere Minimum Standards. It can be adapted for an outdoor activity.

Dignified Village Life for the Displaced.
Fardanesh G and Walker B (2003)

A paper first published in Forced Migration Review 12(1), 22-24.

                                                                                         

3 Further Studies


How to Succeed with Distance Education.
Walker B (2014)

This simple guide was first written in 2001 for UNHCR’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Section in Sri Lanka. Since then it has been revised several times in response to comments from students.


Refugees and Internally Displaced People.
Walker B (2005)

This module was first drafted in 2003 to introduce the UNHCR eCentre programme. It assumes familiarity with the Distance Learning Study Guide. While some of the statistics are outdated by recent conflicts, natural disasters and the situation in Sri Lanka, the module still serves to introduce distance learning study especially in the field of emergency management.
                                                                                                     
                                                                                         

4 General Work Application


How to Succeed in Your Work.
Walker B (2012)

This is a box of tools for any who are embarking on careers and who may have little access to Internet - apart from this initial download. Each tool is self-contained and can be used at whatever stage you are in: you do not need to read the book from cover to cover.
                                                                                         

 

5 Health


Better Ways to Stay Healthy in Asian Tropics - with particular reference to Sri Lanka.
Patel K and Walker B (2009)

An entertaining guide to staying healthy. Originally written specifically for Sri Lanka, the principles apply to anybody visiting tropical Asia. You will need to check current vaccination requirements and medications for specific countries.                    

                                                                                         
Good news for people with impaired vision. (2009)

Adaptive Eyecare was founded by Oxford Physics Professor Joshua Silver, who is now director of the non-profit Centre for Vision in the Developing World at the University of Oxford UK. There is currently a large unmet need for corrective eyewear throughout the developing world. Adaptive Eyecare has worked on this problem since 1996, investigating novel strategies which may prove effective as part of a solution. If you would like to know more about this work, please send an Email to info@adaptive-eyecare.org.
                                                                                                     
                                                                                         
Having Healthy Babies: a Snakes and Ladders game for education. Sugathapala M and Walker B (2009)

This game was originally designed for a national campaign by the Birth Defects Research Unit in Sri Lanka. It has been updated with additional notes and redesigned by Jon Anderson who works for www.networklearning.org.                                                      
                                                                                         

6 Management


Better Ways to Manage Meetings.
Walker B (2012)

Formal meetings are part of a normal way of life. Some are good: others boring or bad. This will help chairpersons, minutes recorders and participants make meetings better.
                                                                                         






Please contact the authors through helmhelp@gmail.com with your views and comments. We are particularly interested to hear of changes or additions to website addresses.