The Fiji Red Cross Society is revitalizing its Junior Red Cross program with a renewed commitment to empower young Fijians to be disaster-ready. Director General Ragigia Dawai emphasizes the importance of youth preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters. This initiative aims to instill disaster awareness and resilience at the grassroots level, targeting a generation of confident, informed, and resilient children.
Dawai explains that teaching preparedness from a young age is crucial, similar to learning a new language. The program will equip teachers and volunteers to teach children about disaster response, safety drills, and leadership skills reminiscent of the Girl Scouts approach. She acknowledges the vital role community programs play in enhancing resilience among populations prone to disasters.
This renewed focus mirrors broader efforts across Fiji to improve disaster preparedness. Recently, the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council, in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Management Office, launched new disaster awareness materials specifically targeting students in years 9 to 13 and their families. This campaign aims to instill a culture of readiness as the cyclone season approaches, reaching over 50,000 homes and nearly 70,000 students, with plans to extend the program further.
As Fiji faces the increasing impacts of climate change, initiatives like these are critical in educating communities and fostering a proactive approach to safety. The collective efforts of organizations like the Fiji Red Cross Society and the Business Disaster Resilience Council not only enhance individual preparedness but also inspire hope for a more resilient society capable of meeting future challenges together.
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