The FIJI Water Foundation, a prominent philanthropic organization in Fiji, has announced the initiation of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. This initiative aims to strengthen community resilience in the face of natural disasters and has been introduced 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 robust disaster preparedness and recovery strategies in Fiji, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of global natural disasters. He noted that Fiji has faced over 15 cyclones in the past decade, impacting more than 200,000 individuals and causing approximately FJD $2 billion in damage.
Ditoka praised the FIJI Water Foundation’s ongoing dedication to enhancing community resilience and empowering locals through various projects, which demonstrates the significance of collaborative efforts in creating substantive change.
The Tikina Naiyalayala community, rich in cultural heritage, has often been at the mercy of severe weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts, which have devastated health, housing, and livelihoods. This new disaster preparedness strategy represents a significant advancement towards ensuring the nation can effectively recover from catastrophic incidents.
Semi Lotawa, Director of the FIJI Water Foundation, expressed pride in supporting the CERT initiative, stating it will equip communities with a holistic disaster management framework. He explained that the CERT program is designed to empower six nearby villages in the Naiyalayala district, promoting collaboration and sustainable practices that enhance long-term disaster risk reduction and overall well-being for the people of Fiji.
Joseph Naivalulevu from Rabulu Village noted the importance of the training, stating there are over 600 households in the six villages of Tikina Naiyalayala, and their geographic isolation can make disaster response challenging. He conveyed that the CERT training would enhance the skills of the youth and empower the community to take proactive measures during emergencies.
Ditoka also encouraged other communities to look to Tikina Naiyalayala as a model for disaster preparedness, which will bolster national resilience against future natural disasters.
The FIJI Water Foundation operates under The Wonderful Company, which is a privately held global corporation valued at USD $6 billion, led by philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick. The Resnicks have allocated over USD $2.5 billion towards philanthropic efforts and corporate social responsibility initiatives globally, focusing on areas such as education, health, affordable housing, infrastructure, the arts, and sustainability to make a meaningful impact in California’s Central Valley, Fiji, and beyond.
Since its inception in 2007, the FIJI Water Foundation has invested over FJD $35 million in projects related to community development, access to safe water, education, health and wellness, as well as environmental sustainability.