BY JOY OFASIA
Naomi Tai, the Disability Inclusion Disaster Risk Management Programs officer, was among participants at the first Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) Regional Civil Society Organization (CSO) Coordination workshop in Suva last week. She represented people with disabilities during the four-day event.
In a brief interview with SOLOMON WOMEN, Ms. Tai said the workshop was important for CSOs in the Pacific.
“I see this consultation workshop as very important to sustain the work of all CSOs. It is a project that will benefit our civil societies, mainly the vulnerable groups who are affected within our communities, especially women, children, and people with disabilities,” she said.
The workshop aimed to build understanding and connections between CSOs and the PRF, involve recipients and implementers of PRF grants, and link with the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy, the revitalized Pacific Leaders’ Gender Equality Declaration, and other frameworks such as youth development.
Ms. Tai said representing people with disabilities gave her the chance to share experiences, provide feedback, and discuss the work of CSOs across different countries.
Representatives from the Solomon Islands also attended, including Casper Fa’asala from the National Disability Forum, Jack Kalisto of COESI, and Rebecca from WARA Rokotanikeni Association.
The consultation concluded on Thursday last week, leaving participants with stronger connections and a shared plan to support vulnerable communities in the Pacific.
