From June 16 to 22, 2024, in El Salvador, a preparation workshop for Monetary Transfer Programs (CTP) in emergency situations was held. This event aims to empower Caritas in the region and their emergency response programs, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make effective decisions and coordinate actions during critical situations. In this way, an efficient and timely response to any emergency is guaranteed.

During the workshop, we sought to prepare PTM professionals in the use of specific tools to apply cash programming in emergency situations. Additionally, learnings and best practices were shared from CVA programs implemented during emergency responses, as well as CRS's Cash Readiness Approach. Likewise, a preparation drill was carried out to improve the maintenance of response capacity.

The event included the participation of CRS Empower staff and national Caritas representatives from various countries, including Peru, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, San Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Chile and Ecuador.

The workshop was structured into several sessions, covering the following topics:

1. Basic concepts of response with PTM.
2. Experiences in emergency funds and use of MPCA as a response.
3. Perspective of PTM and donors.
4. Overview and the Cash Readiness approach.
5. Cash Readiness approach for technical support.
6. PTM and social protection.
7. Cash Readiness Capability Assessment – ​​TCAT. Drill.
8. The importance of measuring the impact of our CVA.
9. PTM and anticipatory action.

This workshop is a crucial opportunity to strengthen the capacities of National Caritas, improving their coordination, ensuring adequate preparation to face emergencies with the use of monetary transfer programs.

With information and photographs from CRS-Empower