Communities affected by natural disasters in Fiji can now access timely assistance thanks to the recent soft launch of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM). The initiative was introduced at an event held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Tuesday.
The CFM is designed to allow impacted communities to voice their concerns and share feedback that requires urgent attention from service providers. This tool enables FCOSS to collect information from those affected by natural disasters through means such as photographs or situation reports submitted to the CFM. The gathered insights will then be communicated to service providers, government officials, and development partners, ensuring that necessary aid reaches the affected areas.
Key features of the CFM include the integration of digital tools for documenting, reporting, and analyzing responses, along with various channels for communication such as Facebook, Messenger, Viber, and SMS. The system allows for the storage of data on a single platform, regardless of the communication method used. Each piece of feedback is assigned a unique ID, and its status is continuously updated. The CFM ultimately generates automated community observation reports summarizing the feedback received during disaster response efforts.
FCOSS Program Manager Josaia Tokoni noted that while existing feedback mechanisms in communities, like village meetings, have been in place, there was often uncertainty about whether the issues raised were adequately addressed. He emphasized the importance and advantages of the CFM in filling this gap. During disaster response periods, FCOSS produces daily community observation reports which are disseminated by the District Council of Social Services (DCOSS).
This initiative highlights a significant advancement in enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response efforts in Fiji. By streamlining feedback from communities and ensuring that their voices are heard, the CFM holds promise for more efficient and responsive relief efforts, ultimately aiding in the recovery process for those impacted by natural disasters.
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