The Fiji Red Cross Society’s North divisional service centre is implementing programmes that will make communities more resilient.

Society North co-ordinator Arthur Simmons said the workshop on the disaster risk reduction programme was a refresher for the Labasa participants.

“We have been implementing this programme to make communities more resilient when it comes to disasters,” Mr Simmons said.

“Also health-related risks in the aftermath or even before the disasters which is a follow-up to check whether they have been following the disaster plan that they had prepared for themselves.

“This programme we have been running for the last two years for participants and communities of Tukavesi, Tiritiri out in Bua, Vunivau Settlement, Nawaido and Kilikoso.

“This session is just a refresher for them to see where they are today and how else can Fiji Red Cross go on to support these communities,” he said.

He noted they were also trying to reach out to other villages.

“But these participants are already reaching out to the neighbouring villages which is the sign of the strength that they have.

“Because we have told them that we will not be there for them every time, they need to be able to stand on their feet and know what to do.

“And they have been telling us some of the success stories.”

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