Story by Ruci Ranitu

As part of its efforts to increase awareness and preparedness for disasters in Fiji, the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council under the umbrella of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Management Office, launched their disaster awareness materials in Suva today. 

This initiative comes as FCEF’s yearly attempts to inform students from year’s 9 to 13 and their families about the culture of disaster preparedness.

Senior Education Officer from the Ministry of Education, Inoke Raikoso says that an initiative as such is beneficial as informing students about the culture of disaster preparedness has been a difficult task due to a few factors.

“One, we have the bulk of the most vulnerable in our duty of care, and number two the aging of some of our infrastructures where we have some schools which were established in the 1800s.”

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Disaster Management, Isoa Talemaibua highlights the importance of the distribution of the materials as a form of awareness ahead of disasters.

“Today, we celebrate more than just a distribution of 10,000 calendars and disaster awareness materials, we celebrate the partnership that reflects innovation, determination and commitment to ensuring that every individual, family and business in Fiji is better prepared for the challenges of all natural disasters.”

Taleimaibua adds working with the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council has been beneficial as it has made it possible for the distribution of disaster awareness materials.

“An impactful examples of this partnership is the ongoing effort enhanced disaster awareness and preparedness. The calendars and materials we are launching today are simple yet powerful tools as they serve as daily reminders and steps we can all take to be better prepared for disasters.”

Meanwhile, over 50,000 homes and close to 70,000 students nationwide have received the disaster awareness materials over the last year and 50,000 more are expected to receive theirs this year.