As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness in museums and heritage institutions, the ICMS Board is organizing an intensive three-day Disaster Management Training Program in cooperation with the German Agency for International Museum Cooperation for museums and heritage professionals in East Africa. The program will take place from October 6th to 8th, 2025, at the Nairobi National Museum. This initiative aims to address pressing challenges in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, safeguarding the rich cultural heritage in the region.

In recent years, the locality has faced significant challenges related to natural and human-made disasters, including flooding, theft, and fires (resulting from electrical faults). These events have devastated communities, economies, and cultural heritage infrastructure. The urgency of equipping our colleagues with comprehensive disaster management skills cannot be overstated.

Call for Trainers

We seek up to four dedicated ICMS members to volunteer their expertise and collaborate in designing and delivering this impactful training. The collaborative grant of ICMS and the German Agency for International Museum Cooperation will provide funding for the trainers’ travel and accommodation.

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in developing the Training Curriculum in the following key areas of interest:
  • Risk Assessment
  • Disaster Response Planning
  • Post-Disaster Recovery
  • Design practical modules and hands-on activities tailored to African museums’ unique needs.
  • Facilitate Training Sessions through discussions and exercises during the 3-day training.
  • Mentor Participants in applying the training to their respective institutions.

  How to Apply

  If you are interested in volunteering, please send your response to the ICMS Secretary at secretary.security@icom.museum by May 2nd, 2025, including:

  1. A brief statement of interest and your relevant experience, and
  2. Your key areas of interest in the Curriculum.

We will contact you by the end of May 2025 to discuss the success of your application. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to empower museum professionals in this critical area.