The FIJI Water Foundation, a prominent philanthropic organization in Fiji, has announced the launch of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program aimed at bolstering community resilience against natural disasters. This initiative is a collaboration with the Tikina Naiyalayala Development Committee.
During the launch event, Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, emphasized the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters worldwide, stating that comprehensive disaster preparedness and recovery mechanisms are essential for Fiji. He noted that over the past decade, Fiji has faced more than 15 cyclones, impacting over 200,000 individuals and resulting in approximately FJD $2 billion in damages.
Ditoka praised the FIJI Water Foundation for its commitment to community resilience and empowerment, highlighting that their collaborative projects bring about significant change. The Tikina Naiyalayala community, which has a rich cultural heritage, has been notably affected by natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts, resulting in significant damage to health, housing, and livelihoods.
This new disaster preparedness strategy is a significant advancement towards ensuring resilient recovery in Fiji during and after catastrophic events. Semi Lotawa, the director of the FIJI Water Foundation, expressed pride in supporting the CERT initiative, which aims to equip communities with a thorough disaster management plan. He clarified that the CERT framework will train six villages in the Naiyalayala district, fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable practices for long-term disaster risk reduction and community well-being.
Joseph Naivalulevu, a representative from Rabulu Village, highlighted the importance of the CERT training, noting the challenges faced by the 600 households in the isolated villages of Tikina Naiyalayala. He underscored that this training will enhance the knowledge of local youth and empower communities to respond effectively during disasters.
Ditoka also encouraged other communities to follow the Tikina Naiyalayala model for disaster preparedness in order to strengthen the nation’s resilience against future natural disasters.
The FIJI Water Foundation operates under The Wonderful Company, a privately owned global enterprise with an estimated value of USD $6 billion, founded by philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick. The Resnicks have committed over USD $2.5 billion to philanthropic efforts aimed at addressing education, health, housing, infrastructure, the arts, and sustainability, positively impacting Fiji, California’s Central Valley, and beyond. Since its inception in 2007, the FIJI Water Foundation has invested more than FJD $35 million in community development, safe water access, education, health, wellness, and environmental sustainability initiatives.