In a significant effort to boost disaster preparedness across Fiji, the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council has partnered with the National Disaster Risk Management Office to launch new disaster awareness materials in Suva. This initiative particularly targets students from years 9 to 13 and their families, emphasizing the crucial need for a culture of readiness as the cyclone season approaches, typically running from November to April.

Inoke Raikoso, a Senior Education Officer from the Ministry of Education, underscored the challenges associated with fostering this culture of preparedness among the youth, especially given the vulnerabilities faced by many communities and the aging school infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1800s.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Disaster Management, Isoa Talemaibua, expressed that the distribution of 10,000 calendars and educational materials is not merely a logistical task but a celebration of cooperative partnerships aimed at enhancing community resilience. These materials serve as essential tools, acting as daily reminders for families to prioritize disaster preparedness.

Over the past year, more than 50,000 homes and nearly 70,000 students have benefitted from similar campaigns, with plans in place to reach an additional 50,000 households this year. Such extensive outreach reflects a substantial commitment to building a knowledgeable community capable of facing the challenges posed by natural disasters.

This initiative is part of a broader government strategy that highlights the importance of youth involvement in disaster risk management. Minister Sakiasi Ditoka has emphasized the need for families to take proactive steps towards safety, stressing the vulnerability of younger populations in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.

The launch of these disaster awareness materials represents a hopeful step toward creating a more prepared society. By integrating education into the daily lives of students and their families, Fiji is laying the groundwork for a future where communities are better equipped to respond to natural disasters and safeguard their well-being. This collective effort signifies a positive commitment to resilience amid the challenges brought by climate change, inspiring confidence and readiness among all Fijians in facing future disasters.