The FIJI Water Foundation, a major philanthropic organization in Fiji, has announced the initiation of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This program aims to bolster community resilience to natural disasters and has been implemented in partnership with the Tikina Naiyalayala Development Committee.
During the launch, Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and recovery strategies in Fiji. He noted that in the past decade, Fiji has faced over 15 cyclones, impacting more than 200,000 people and resulting in damages estimated at FJD $2 billion.
Ditoka praised the FIJI Water Foundation’s ongoing commitment to community resilience, stating that their collaborative efforts lead to significant positive change. The Tikina Naiyalayala community, known for its vibrant culture, has experienced the devastation caused by cyclones, floods, and droughts, affecting health, housing, and livelihoods.
The newly introduced disaster preparedness strategy represents a significant advancement in ensuring the nation can recover from catastrophic events effectively. FIJI Water Foundation Director Semi Lotawa expressed pride in supporting the CERT initiative, which aims to equip communities with a comprehensive disaster management plan.
Lotawa added that the CERT framework is designed to empower six neighboring villages in the Naiyalayala district with the necessary skills to cultivate a cooperative culture while adopting sustainable practices to reduce disaster risks and enhance the overall well-being of the people in Fiji.
Joseph Naivalulevu from Rabulu Village commented on the importance of the training, noting that the six villages in Tikina Naiyalayala contain over 600 households, many of which are relatively isolated. He stated that the CERT training will help to enhance the knowledge of young people and empower the community to respond effectively during disasters.
Ditoka encouraged neighboring communities to look to Tikina Naiyalayala as a model for disaster preparedness, which would strengthen the nation’s resilience to future natural disasters. The FIJI Water Foundation operates under The Wonderful Company, a privately held global company valued at USD $6 billion, founded by philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick.
The Wonderful Company and the Resnicks have invested over USD $2.5 billion in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility initiatives worldwide, focusing on education, health and wellness, affordable housing, infrastructure, the arts, and sustainability to create a lasting impact in places like California’s Central Valley and Fiji. Since its establishment in 2007, the FIJI Water Foundation has contributed more than FJD $35 million towards community development, access to safe water, education, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability.