The West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA), in partnership with the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP)/ Oxfam, and with support from the Meteorology Division of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the National Disability Forum of Solomon Islands, successfully facilitated a two-day community workshop from 4–8 March at Buma and Ailau communities in West Kwaio/ Langalanga, Malaita Province.
The workshop focused on strengthening community preparedness through early warning systems, tabletop simulation exercises, and the review of community disaster response plans. One of the key objective of the training was to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are integrated into community response plans so that they can be effectively supported before, during, and after disasters.
Participants actively engaged in practical simulation exercises designed to help communities better understand disaster warning systems, including the use of colour codes issued during different stages of a disaster alert.
One participant from Buma shared his experience, saying:
“Simulation exercises really help me to be prepared and ready if any disaster strikes. I also learned how to assist people with disabilities during disasters, understand the colour codes used in warnings, and know what actions to take during each alert period.”
The workshop was facilitated by a team of trainers including OXFAM/AHP Project Manager Mr Jamal Namo, PWDSI Volunteer Mr Watson Ngali, MECDM staff Mr Richard Huka, WARA Climate Change and Legal Officer Ms Sharon Siwainao, and WARA Volunteer Ms Theresa Kariawara Namoka.WARA continues to work with partners and communities to strengthen disaster preparedness and promote inclusive disaster risk reduction across West Are’Are and Network Stakeholders in the rural communities in Solomon Islands.
