A Virtual Humanitarian Emergency Simulation for FSA ULaval Students

Thursday December 3rd, 2020

Last October, 35 master’s students in the International Development and Humanitarian Action Management program at FSA ULaval participated in a 72-hour humanitarian emergency simulation as part of one of their program courses.

In compliance with the sanitary measures in effect this fall, the simulation was carried out virtually. The students could participate from anywhere on the planet: some were in Canada, while others were located in the United States, Brazil, France and the United Kingdom. They were supervised by several people during the simulation, and they also had the opportunity to attend conferences on a variety of topics by representatives from Doctors Without Borders, the Canadian Red Cross, CARE, the World Bank and the United Nations, among others.

The purpose of the simulation was to put into practice the theory and knowledge gained during the master’s program. Several participants reported having improved their distance communication and management skills, as well as greater self-confidence as they look forward to pursuing their careers in the field of humanitarian aid. The simulation was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Choquette family, an invaluable partner of the Faculty for many years.