Annual Report

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Building resilience in vulnerable communities in Tuvalu

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 1

Table of Contents

Sections Contents Page

1 Message from the President and CEO 4

2 Message from the Secretary General 5

3 Who we are 6

4 Strategic Goal 1: Governance 9

5 Strategic Goal 2: Human Resource Development 12

6 Strategic Goal 3: Partners 13

7 Strategic Goal 4: Programs & Services 16

8 Financials (Finance report 2018) 17

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 2 Section 1 | Message from President

Message from President

Kiatoa Ulika, President – Board of Directors

The year 2018 was a progressive year for Tuvalu Red Cross as we evaluated and shared the learnings from our Tropical Cyclone Pam and Ula Recovery Programmes. Since 2015, we have been supporting the recovery journey of our people throughout the eight islands, and it is encouraging to witness the lessons learned from past events being implemented in integrated approaches.

At the national level, we have been working closely with the government of Tuvalu to support and discuss our role in disaster and health emergencies. Furthermore, at the international level the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement together to support and discuss our strategic direction to resilience. The Resilience Project was borne and was piloted for the two communities that were mostly affected by these past cyclones. This will be an important opportunity to ensure our organization remain relevant to communities.

It is through the participation of our partners, staff, members and volunteer effort that this year’s works was achievable. Together with the members of the National Board, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of those who support our work in Tuvalu and around the world. Fafetai Lasi for all your hard work.

As a new President, I have watched our organization flourish and grow and I look forward to seeing how Tuvalu Red Cross continues to work building resilience in communities.

Kiatoa Ulika President

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 3 Section 2 | Message from SG Message from SG

Sopoanga Saufatu, Secretary General

This year we have been actively involved with our partners and communities in the disaster risk management cycle, particularly furthering recovery efforts during tropical cyclones and storm surges. I am encouraged to hear the positive stories of our ongoing Tuvalu Red Cross presence in these areas. We have used these experiences to shape our strategies for years to come, with the integration health care in our disaster risk management strategy now in place.

Internationally, we continue to work with our Red Cross Red Crescent colleagues, sharing and learning from each other. This year, we kick start off the Resilience Project that will enable communities to cope and adapt to climate change and future disasters. Our delegates also responded to natural disaster working alongside the government reaching out to communities across Tuvalu.

To everyone who has given their time, donated to us and lent a hand this year, FAFETAI LASI. Your efforts, make a difference for people in need and are hugely inspiring, I know that we stand good and ready to face the future together, and I look forward to an exciting and challenging year ahead.

Sopoanga Saufatu Secretary General

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 4 Section 3 | Who we are

Who we are

At the Tuvalu Red Cross, we strive to be the leading voluntary aid organization in Tuvalu providing timely and quality opportunities for people in need, to ensure they enjoy their right to a peaceful and better life.

• Integrity, Honesty and commitment; • Respect for all; • Gender equality; • Safety and Child Protection;

OUR AIM To prevent and alleviate suffering with complete Teeve (volunteer) Applying First Aid to an impartiality, making no discrimination as to athlete . Photo: TRCS nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, languages, class or political opinions. To do this, we will: • Act in case of armed conflict, and in peace OUR VISION prepare to act in all the field covered by the Geneva Convention and on behalf of all war To enhance resilience in vulnerable victims, both civilian and military; communities and thus bring peaceful and better • Organize, consistent with any national plan, lives to all Tuvaluans. emergency relief services of the victims of

disasters, however caused; OUR MISSION • Educate the population on how to prepare To be a compassionate and committed leading and respond to disasters, however caused; voluntary aid organization in Tuvalu that offers • Promote the participation of children and timely and quality voluntary assistance to those young people in the work of Red Cross; in need without discrimination, build safe, • Recruit, train and assign such personnel as healthy and resilient in vulnerable communities necessary for the discharge of our and assurance of their rights to a peaceful and responsibilities; better life. • Cooperate with the public authorities to

ensure respect for international OUR VALUES humanitarian law and to protect the red The Tuvalu Red Cross is committed to the Cross and Red Crescent emblems; and following values: • To promote the Fundamental Principles of • The seven Fundamental Principles of the the Movement and those of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; international human law in order to develop • Professionalism, transparency and humanitarian ideals among the population, accountability; and in particular among children and • Team Work and Collaboration; youths.

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 5

We are guided by the seven fundamental principles of the Movement:

HUMANITY The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples .

IMPARTIALITY It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. NEUTRALITY In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

INDEPENDENCE The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement. VOLUNTARY SERVICE It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

UNITY There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

UNIVERSALITY The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 6

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 7 Section 4 | Governance Strategic Goal 1: Governance Governance

Aim: We are committed to improving the quality of leadership and establishing an environment that will enable us to achieve our goal effectively and efficiently.

Introduction

National Society of the Red Cross

TRCS is a legally constituted association, officially recognized by the Government of Tuvalu in the Tuvalu Laws as a voluntary aid society, auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and as the only National Red Cross Society which may carry out its activities in Tuvalu.

The highest authority in TRCS is the General Assembly which comprises of ten (10) of the members of the Governing Board, the president of each branch elected branch representatives, volunteer representative and a Government of Tuvalu representative (observer/adviser status). The Governing Board, with 10 members, governs TRC between the sessions of the General Assembly, and the Secretary-General is the Chief Executive of the Society, who is responsible to the Governing Board and the General Assembly for implementing the policies and directives of each body.

A joint assessment mission of the ICRC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in September 2015 concluded that the TRCS had fulfilled the conditions for recognition as the 190th National Society of the Movement. Following the assessment mission, the Assembly of the ICRC recognized the TRCS, an event celebrated in December 2015 at the International Conference in Geneva, which the TRCS was attending for the first time.

Tuvalu Red Cross foresaw the importance of working in partnerships with the government, schools, clubs and communities in organized and better understanding of each other’s roles during emergencies and peace times. To this day, Tuvalu Red Cross Society continues to support and empower vulnerable communities from health and disaster emergencies.

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 8 2015-2017 Board Members

In 2018, the Board Members comprised of the following members:

1. Mr. Kiatoa Ulika -President & Nui Branch Representative 2. Ms. Eseta Lauti -Vice President & Funafuti Branch Representative 3. Ms Lillian Leuelu-Treasurer & Vaitupu Branch Representative 4. Rev. Kitiona Tausi – Nanumaga Branch Representative 5. Mrs. Afasene Iosefa – Nukufetau Branch Representative 6. Mr. Niko Iona – Nanumea Branch Representative 7. Mrs. Miliaga Sam P. Teo – Niutao Branch Representative 8. Rev Tafue Lusama – Nukulaelae Branch Representative 9. Mr. Telito F Telito – Youth & Volunteers Representative 10. Mr. Faivatala Moresi - Government of Tuvalu Representative

The Board is responsible for setting policies and guidelines. The President is responsible to the Board for the implementation of policies and procedures and the management of staff and activities of the Society.

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Section 4 | Governance

Tuvalu Red Cross HQ Organizational Structure

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 10

Trained volunteers in ECV and First Aid for Nukufetau Branch. Photo: Eleala Avanitele, TRCS

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 11 Section 5 | Human Resource Development Strategic Goal 2: Human Resource Development

Human Resource

DevelopmentAim: Our people are at our most valued assets and we are conscious that they play the major role in ascertaining top quality programs and services are delivered to the communities whilst realizing our goal. To that end, we will ensure all our programs and service providers are appropriately trained and empowered.

The Tuvalu Red Cross Society (TRCS) was established in 1981 with branches on all the eight islands of the group, with about 800 members and volunteers. Its head office is situated on Funafuti Islands, the capital of Tuvalu. National Society of the Red Cross TRCS is a legally constituted association, officially recognized by the Government of Tuvalu in the Tuvalu Laws as a voluntary aid society, auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and as the only National Red Cross Society which may carry out its activities in Tuvalu. The highest authority in TRCS is the General Assembly which comprises of ten (10) of the members of the Governing Board, the president of each branch elected branch representatives, volunteer representative and a Government of Tuvalu representative (observer/adviser status). The Governing Board, with 10 members, governs TRC between the sessions of the General Assembly, and the Secretary-General is the Chief Executive of the Society, who is responsible to the Governing Board and the General Assembly for implementing the policies and directives of each body.

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 12

Niutao Branch after Foundation and ERT training 2016. Photo: Tusi Finikaso, TRCS

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 13 Section 6 | Partners Strategic Goal 3: Partners

Aim : TRC sees the importance in working Partners together especially in a small country like Tuvalu. Working together enables organization with the same mandate to share resources and coordinate their work efficiently rather than duplication. TRC looks forward to expanding its network of partners locally, regionally and internationally

Partners and areas of support

In its progress towards building resilient communities, TRCS worked with partners in all levels of coordination and implementation from the Kaupule, National, Regional and Globally. The national society have also worked with private sectors in reaching to the communities such as supply of relief items during aftermath disaster such as TCPam. Additionally, the wonderful factor of the Red Cross is its Movement Partners who are always there to support the TRCS in its effort to build resilient in the community. The main Movement Partners who have greatly supported the Volunteers helping NZ Air Force with cargo National Society are ARC and NZRC. Furthermore, after TC Pam. Photo: Rosemarie North, IFRC there were also support from other diplomatic international partners in the National Society. Last but not least is the strengthening of our partners with the communities and other Civil Society Organization.

Partners Area of Support Kaupule Branch Coordination & Community Programmes Delivery School and Communities Junior Red Cross, International Days Annual Events (World FA Day,International Volunteer Day) Community Program Delivery & Monitoring Government Departments Policy & Plan Development & Implementation Red Cross Movement Partners Auxiliary Role, Service Delivery (Operation) Other Civil Society Organizations Community Programming implementation and coordination.

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General Assembly, December 2017. Photo: TuvRCS

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 15 Section 7 | Programs and Services

Programs and Services ansovernance Strategic Goal 4: Programs and Services

Aim: We strive to generate positive changes in the community with complete impartiality, particularly in the areas of Health & Care, Climate Change and Disaster Management.

Health and Care

In collaboration with the Tuvalu Family Health Association, volunteers has been trained on Peer to Peer Education. TRCS has been working closely with the TUFHA to provide services to the public through peer education program. As well as participating in the World AIDs Day that is celebrated annually on the 1st of December.

TRCS has not been very active in Non- TuvRCS on standby for independence Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as it still parade 2016. Photo: TuvRCS working on the NCD toolkits to be adapted and translated into the local context. Apart from that, we are part of the NCD committee where TRCS volunteers has been effectively part of National Days such as the No Tobacco Day and trainings. TRCS has a vegetable garden that provided vegetables to the public but it cannot cater for the need of the public and TRCS is looking at ways of how to sustain and make the garden profitable.

World Blood Donor day is celebrated on the 14th of June every year, TRCS and the Laboratory Unit from the Princess Margret Hospital has a joint effort in recruitment and retention of blood donor program. MOU between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and TRCS in now in its review stage and it has not been finalise as still waiting for final technical input from the Ministry of Health.

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 16

There was a First Aid and Instructor Training conducted by the New Zealand Red Cross with a total of 9 people being graduated from First Aid Training and 5 people graduated as Instructor. Commercial First Aid Training have been run for people who have been travelling for New Zealand for their credentials of Training conducted by MOH on primary permanent resident. trauma care training 2017. Photo: MOH

First Aid services were provided to the public on sporting events for IPPSG and Tuvalu Games. Epidemic Control for Volunteer training were conducted to volunteers at HQ by IFRC. Epidemic Control for Volunteers (ECV) toolkit has been translated and printed and ready for distribution which will be next year for the start of the Resilience plan as Branches needed to be trained on the toolkits. TRCS is a key members of the Kaiga Fiafia committee, TRCS celebrated the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, World Aids Day, World Disability Day and World Volunteer Day.

First Aid Tuvalu Red Cross Society celebrated World First Aid Day every year and in 2016 celebration was focus on the empowerment of children in saving lives and the assistance they can render for first aid at school, families and the communities in which they lived. World First Aid Day aims at raising awareness of how first aid can prevent injuries and save lives in First Aid Training with Year 11, 2016. Photo: Eleala Avanitele, TuvRCS everyday and crisis situations, as well as at promoting the accessibility of the first aid. Events and activities held on this day focus on first aid training. Every year, a new global theme for the day is chosen, and participants are encouraged.

2016 World First Aid theme was “First Aid FOR and BY Children” and where TRCS was working closely with students from Nauti Primary School. TRCS invited 20 students and engage them in activities related to First Aid and other fun and educational activities about Red Cross movement and to understand Fundamental Principles, the training was done by First Aid Instructor Kaio Tiira Taula.

In addition, there was a radio program comprise of a diverse people with experiences such 3 personnel from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport Neaki Letia, Betty Vave and the principal of Nauti Primary School Enele Epati specifically elaborating on the great needs of children to be taught basic life skills savings in school. Principal Enele highlight the Safer

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 17 School Program that was being spearheading by the Disaster Coordination Unit, Meteorology Department, Police and as well as Tuvalu Red Cross Society talking about the need to alert and prepare children when a disaster happens in terms of an outbreak of fire and natural disaster.

Tuvalu Red Society was being represented by volunteer Tiira Kaio Taula and staff member Milikini Failautusi and Eleala Avanitele. TRCS staff members who talks about why First Aid is a top priority of the National Society and the important of it to the community whereas Tiiraa Kaio share experiences of being a first aid instructor and a volunteer as well.

CLIMATE CHANGE & DISASTER MANAGEMENT: EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (ERT) TRAININGS: Achievement: ERT trainings have been done for all outer island branches. Under the Resilience project, ERT trainings were carried out for two branches namely Nukufetau Branch and Nui Branch.

BRANCH MALE FEMALE TOTAL Nukufetau Branch 11 10 21 Nui Branch 8 13 21 Previous ERT 48 45 93 trainings TOTAL TUVALU 67 68 135

The previous syllabus was used, where there was a focus for participants to be able to conduct disaster assessments, determine needs based on the assessments, create a simple plan of action, use disaster assessments and other information to create situation reports, conduct briefings, forecast needs and meet logistical requirements. Also Climate Change Awareness and Minimum Standard commitments to Gender and Diversity in emergencies and a module of Sexual and Gender Based violence have been added to the ERT training.

NUI BRANCH ERT TEAM NUKUFETAU BRANCH ERT TEAM

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DP PREPAREDNESS DEPOTS: Achievement: Disaster Preparedness Depots located on all outer islands.

The Nukufetau Disaster Preparedness (DP) depot was constructed with funding from the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP) project which is administered by the Department of Climate Change & Disaster. Now, there are DP Preparedness depots on all islands in Tuvalu which make it easier for branch members to respond as there are pre-positioned relief items on the island. There has been a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the respective Tuvalu Red Cross branch(s) and corresponding Kaupule(s) regarding the use of the disaster preparedness depot. All branches have a copy of this MOU. Relief items pre-positioned at each of the Disaster Preparedness depots include 20L collapsible water containers, Shelter tool kits, Kitchen Sets, Hygiene Kits, Tarpaulins, Mosquito nets, 14L Bucket, Blankets, LUCI Solar lights and UNFPA Dignity Kits. These relief items are all available to be distributed to affected households in the event of an emergency or disaster.

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TUVALU INTEGRATED VULNERABILITY AND ADAPATION (TIVA) SURVEY: This survey was administered by the Department of Climate Change & Disaster and involved 12 different surveyors to survey the islands of Nanumea, Nanumaga, Niutao, Nui, Vaitupu and Nukufetau. Results of the survey are summarised below:

MEN WOMEN YOUTH ISLAND MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS Solar panel Raised (concrete) No church on the installation at TEC to Distribution of 1 x Coastal Erosion Coastal Erosion swamp taro island supplement diesel 10000L water tanks plantations generators Swamp taro Raised (concrete) Raised (concrete) Distribution of 1 x plantations on Tonga swamp taro Crazy Ants swamp taro Crazy Ants 10000L water tanks side plantations plantations NANUMAGA Raised (concrete) No health clinic on the Distribution of 1 x No health clinic on the Kitchen units for Rubbish dump on the swamp taro island 10000L water tanks island each household island plantations Constant fuel No health clinic on the Crazy Ants shortages on island island No market place No beach ramp on the Unreliable telephone/ allocation for selling island internet of goods

MEN WOMEN YOUTH ISLAND MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS Coastal Erosion School water cistern Mosquitoes Toilet project Sea Wall School water cistern Swamp taro Water harvesting Crazy Ants Kitchen project Crazy Ants Health Clinic NANUMEA plantations systems Insufficient water Livestock running Chicken coop/ Pig- Damaged communal Lakena barge Housing project storage capacity around freely sty project water cisterns

Finance Coastal Erosion NCDs (Diabetes) No evacuation centre Crazy Ants Alcohol

MEN WOMEN YOUTH ISLAND MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS Chicken coop/ Pig- Community Fishing Coastal Erosion Primary School Coastal Erosion Coastal Erosion sty project Centre Swamp taro Swamp taro Communal water Olioli (causeway) Rubbish dump site Kitchen project plantations plantations cisterns Insufficient water Chicken coop/ Pig- Insufficient water TVET (Vocational TVET (Vocational Road condition NIUTAO storage on island sty project storage on island training) training) Houses not resilient to Increasing food prices Increasing drought strong winds at local shops frequency Infrequent and Reef area around Condition of health unreliable shipping Niutao clinic schedule

MEN WOMEN YOUTH ISLAND MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS Coastal Erosion Kitchen project Coastal Erosion Kitchen project Coastal Erosion Toilet project Insufficient water Swamp Taro Distribution of 1 x Swamp taro Distribution of 1 x storage capacity on Kitchen project plantations 10000L water tank plantations 10000L water tank island Insufficient water Houses not resilient to Communal water storage capacity on Toilet project Crazy Ants Chicken coop project NUI strong winds cistern island NCDs (diabetes/ high Road condition No evacuation centre blood pressure) Increasing Decrease in fish catch No employment communication and opportunities electricity bills MEN WOMEN YOUTH ISLAND MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS

Distribution of 1 x Distribution of 1 x Increasing Coastal Erosion Coastal Erosion Garden of Hope 10000L water tanks 10000L water tanks unemployment rates Insufficient water Insufficient water House resilience in Rubbish dump site Kitchen project Milkfish farms storage capacity storage capacity strong winds Swamp taro Installation of TEC Increasing King Tide Pig-Sty project Coastal Erosion Wharf VAITUPU plantations solar panels inundations Local crops have less Insufficient water Less fish in lagoon yield storage capacity Unreliable Insufficient medical Decrease in fish catch communication out of supplies (medicine) Vaitupu

MEN WOMEN YOUTH ISLAND MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL MOST PRESSING SUCCESFUL VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS VULNERABILITIES ADAPTATIONS Distribution of 1 x Coastal Erosion Seawall construction Increasing power bills Coastal Erosion Seawall construction 10000L water tanks Increasing food prices Ava (passage) is Installation of TEC Crazy Ants Wharf Pig pen project at shops buried solar panels No evacuation centre Distribution of 1 x Insufficient medical Toilet project Crazy Ants Wharf on the island 10000L water tanks supplies (medicine) NUKUFETAU Crossing to Fale Damage to Increasing power bills (where pig-pens are households and land located) Poor Insufficient medical communication out Ineffective seawall supplies (medicine) of Nukufetau

ISLAND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE & RECOVERY PLANS: Achievement: Island Disaster Preparedness, Response and Preparedness Plans completed. In partnership with the Department of Climate Change & Disaster and funding from the NAPA 2 project, island disaster preparedness, response and recovery plans were developed for the outer islands of Nanumea, Nanumaga, Niutao, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae and Niulakita. The plans were developed using the VCA model and the consultations were done mainly with each respective Island Disaster Committee. The plans focus mainly on the roles and responsibilities that the different stakeholders have in each of the disaster cycle stages of BEFORE, DURING and AFTER. All plans have been finalised and have been endorsed by their respective Kaupule. One advantage of CCDMO joining the team was solidifying the position of each Tuvalu Red Cross branch on their Island Disaster Committee. This is a great example of Tuvalu Red Cross utilising the auxiliary role as we worked together with the Department of Climate Change & Disaster to develop the plans.

LOGISTICS: Achievement: 1. Introductory Logistics training done at HQ 2. Tuvalu Red Cross is a core member of Logistics in Tuvalu. Catherine Harris conducted a 3 day workshop for Logistics on Funafuti in which participants from Tuvalu Red Cross HQ staff, volunteers and staff from the Department of Climate Change & Disaster attended. The workshop focussed on all of the different aspects of logistics and how logistics supports response activities and how important documentation is in logistics. One of the outcomes of the workshop was the establishment of Logistics Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). CCDMO also attended a regional training on the Introduction of Logistics that was held in Tonga which focussed on the available Logistical tools which logisticians could use. Tuvalu chose the following priorities: 1. Development of the Tuvalu Logistics Capacity Assessment 2. Monthly update of all Disaster related relief items that are owned by Tuvalu Red Cross and the Department of Climate Change & Disaster. This information should be updated on the PALM website.

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 23 TUVALU DISASTER & CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS WEEK: There was one main feature of the Tuvalu Disaster & Climate Awareness week that Tuvalu Red Cross participated in: 1. A competition was held and instead of awareness, we decided to invite songwriters and singers in the country to sing a song with lyrics pertaining to disaster preparedness.

While there was a lot of interest, only 3 entries fulfilled all of the minimum requirements for the song competition and were judged by a select panel.

The winning song was released on the final day of the Disaster and Climate Change Awareness week and now there is a song which is called “Te Vii ote Disaster” which translates to “Disaster song”.

Building resilience in vulnerable communities in Tuvalu

Some of the most vulnerable households in Tuvalu are now better prepared for cyclones, droughts and other disasters thanks to a resilience pilot project run by Tuvalu Red Cross and its partners.

The Finnish-Pacific (FINPAC) project was funded by the Government of Finland and coordinated through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Taulia Lauave and her children, of Teone community, Funafuti, received roofing iron, a portable radio and advice on what to do during adverse weather events, as part of the FINPAC project. Photo Credit: Corinne Starting in March 2014, the project helped the Ambler/IFRC Teone Community in Tuvalu to better understand local weather and climate information, and to build resilience towards changing weather patterns. The community has 68 households totalling more than 300 people who have come to the capital Funafuti from the outer islands seeking better jobs and more opportunities.

Taulia Lauave, a mother of five children and a member of the Teone Community Committee says the FINPAC project has given her family valuable knowledge, including what to do during adverse weather conditions such as a drought or a cyclone.

“If a cyclone was coming I would make sure my kids were in a safe place, check for loose items outside the house, secure any loose roofing iron then see if we have enough food and water in storage,” she says.

Tuvalu Red Cross | 2018 Annual Report 24 Mrs Lauave, 33, says posters in Tuvaluan on cyclones, drought and La Nina, which were distributed to all households, had benefited her whole family.

“One of my kids, when she saw the poster said, ‘Oh mum, now I know how important water is, and I now know how to use it and not waste it.’ When it is stormy and windy they say, ‘Oh mum, shouldn’t we get some food from the store and clean up outside’?”

The project has educated her and her children and made them feel safer and more prepared.

Through the FINPAC project Tuvalu Red Cross has provided the community with portable radios to listen to weather warnings, roofing iron to better secure their houses, educational posters and a community notice board containing tide tables and weather information. The Red Cross also mobilised 200 people to clear unwanted items such as old cars and appliances from the site.

Because of the roofing iron, Mrs Lauave’s roof no longer leaks and the clean-up campaign means her kids are safe when they play outside.

Tuvalu Red Cross Society’s climate change and disaster management officer Tusi Finikaso says that the FINPAC project helped the people of Teone community increase their knowledge of hazards and climate risks in their community and what they can do to minimise their vulnerability.

“The project has also strengthened the working relationship that Tuvalu Red Cross has with the Tuvalu Disaster Relief Unit and Tuvalu Met Services,” Mr Finikaso says.

“I am very happy. It gives a sense of accomplishment and you can see the benefit and positive results of what you are doing.” He adds that Tuvalu Red Cross plans to expand the project to the outer islands later this year.

The FINPAC project has also been carried out in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

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Preparedness Depot on Vaitupu Island. Photo: TuvRCS

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TUVALU RED CROSS SOCIETY P.O BOX 14 FUNAFUTI TUVALU. PHONE: (688) 207 40, FAX: (688) 207 40 E-MAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: Tuvalu Red Cross Society

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