The FIJI Water Foundation, one of Fiji’s major philanthropic organizations, has unveiled its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training aimed at bolstering community resilience against natural disasters. This initiative is being executed in partnership with the Tikina Naiyalayala Development Committee.
At the launch event, Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, emphasized the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness in light of the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters worldwide. He noted that in the past decade, Fiji has faced over 15 cyclones, impacting more than 200,000 individuals and leading to damages estimated at FJD $2 billion.
Ditoka praised the FIJI Water Foundation’s dedication to community resilience and empowerment, highlighting how collaborative efforts can lead to significant improvements. The Tikina Naiyalayala community, known for its rich cultural heritage, has been particularly vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts, resulting in devastating effects on health, housing, and livelihoods.
The CERT initiative represents an important advancement towards ensuring reliable recovery processes in Fiji during and after natural disasters. FIJI Water Foundation Director Semi Lotawa expressed pride in supporting the CERT program, which aims to equip communities with an effective disaster management strategy aligning with the Foundation’s mission.
Lotawa explained that the CERT framework will empower six neighboring villages in the Naiyalayala district with vital skills to promote collaboration and sustainable practices, ultimately enhancing long-term disaster risk reduction and community wellbeing.
Joseph Naivalulevu from Rabulu Village shared the significance of the training for the local community, noting that over 600 households in the six villages of Tikina Naiyalayala are isolated. He believes that the CERT training will enhance young people’s knowledge and empower communities to take proactive measures during disasters.
Sakiasi Ditoka urged other communities to look to Tikina Naiyalayala as a model for disaster preparedness, which will fortify the nation’s capacity to endure and recover from future natural disasters.
The FIJI Water Foundation is part of The Wonderful Company, a privately owned global entity valued at USD $6 billion, led by philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick. The company has pledged over USD $2.5 billion towards philanthropic initiatives focused on education, health, housing, infrastructure, the arts, and sustainability, aiming to make a substantial impact in Fiji and other regions.
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 projects.