CHURCHES BRIEFED ON DISASTER AWARENESS

Preparing communities for disasters and increasing resilience is the core focus of the newly drafted Core Humanitarian Training Package for Churches that is currently being introduced and tested across the nation. The training package was compiled by the Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO) project under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP). The AHP, which involves 23 humanitarian organisations, is a five-year initiative of the Australian Government, administered by the Department of

Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in 2018 that focuses on strengthening local capacity to lead disaster preparedness and response.

CAN DO project manager for Adventists Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Fiji Daniel Taufaga, said that through the Core Humanitarian Training Guide, participants learned about international standards and best practice in disaster response and how we can adapt these practices to ensure the disaster assistance we provide is appropriate and reaches those most in need.

“Service through Christian practice of hospitality and preparedness are not foreign values to the faith; they are to be understood as important elements of Christian discipleship and practice that foster disaster resilience,” Mr Taufaga said.

Participants are provided practical engagement to develop Disaster Risk management plan by mapping Hazard Vulnerability Capacity Assessment Plan and implement the same at t local church level.

The training promotes inclusiveness with the increased participation of women, disabled and the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC).