The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands, through its Disaster Ready Church (DRC) Project, has successfully completed a one-day Disaster Training for the Western Sub Regional Office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Solomon Islands.
The training was held on 13 May at the Western Sub Regional Office in Kukudu, Western Province, and was facilitated by ADRA Emergency Support Staff, Mr. Raynick Jack.
The DRC Project aims to support the Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) for Christ by equipping Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) mission leaders, church members, and communities with the skills, structures, and resources needed to prepare for and respond to disasters across churches in Solomon Islands.
A total of 13 participants attended the training, representing the Western Sub Regional Office, Kukudu Adventist College (KAC) staff including the school chaplain, and SDA ministers from Iriri Village, Ghatere Village, and Hambere Village 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.
ADRA Emergency Support Staff, Mr. Raynick Jack, said the disaster 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,” Jack said.
He added that 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. Since TC Maila had just ended, the training came at the right time for them.”
“I would like to thank WSRO, KAC staff, and the ministers from surrounding villages for attending this very important training, especially when it comes to disaster preparedness,” Mr. Jack said.
Meanwhile, construction of ramps for four churches is progressing well. For the Northern Sub Office, SIM Office, and Western Sub Office, construction has been completed. An assessment for the Malaita Sub Office ramp will be carried out in the coming weeks before construction begins.
This Disaster Training was funded by the South Pacific Division (SPD), Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), and Solomon Islands Mission (SIM) through the DRC Project.
Photo Captions:
1. ADRA Emergency National Coordinator, Mr. Raynick Jack, providing fire extinguisher training.
2. Participants taking part in colour code training for disaster preparedness.
3. Participants trying out the fire extinguisher during the practical training session.
4. Associate Director of Western Sub Office, Pr. Jason Gulea, trying the fire extinguisher during the practical session.
5. Participants practicing the use of fire extinguishers after the training as part of their practical session.
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– ADRA Comms
