The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands, through its Disaster Ready Church project, has delivered a one-day disaster training program for the Western Sub Regional Office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Solomon Islands.
Held on May 13 at the Western Sub Regional Office in Kukudu, Western Province, the training was facilitated by ADRA Solomon Islands emergency national coordinator Raynick Jack.
The Disaster Ready Church (DRC) project equips Seventh-day Adventist mission leaders, church members and communities with the skills, structure and resources needed to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Thirteen participants attended, representing the Western Sub Regional Office (WSRO), Kukudu Adventist High School, including the school chaplain, and Adventist ministers from Iriri, Ghatere and Hambere villages on South Kolobangara Island.
The training focused on helping participants develop an emergency management plan for the Western Sub Regional Office while also reflecting on the recent impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila, which affected Western and Choiseul provinces.
Mr Jack said the training concluded successfully with a practical session.
“After the training, we conducted a practical session on the use of fire extinguishers so participants could learn how to properly use them during times of disaster.”
“We were also able to establish a disaster committee for WSRO, while Kukudu School already has a disaster committee in place that will be reviewed again, and they will inform me of the outcome.”
Mr Jack said the project also provided a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and support for their generator house.
“The training was completed successfully, and the participants were very happy and excited,” he said. “Since Tropical Cyclone Maila had just ended, the training came at the right time for them.”
The training was funded by the South Pacific Division, Trans Pacific Union Mission and Solomon Islands Mission through the DRC project.
