Providing for families
Immediately after the Tropical Cyclone Winston, Save the Children was on the ground in the worst-hit communities, assessing the best ways to support families and keep economies moving. We implemented Cash-for-Work programs, reaching almost 8,700 people in 40 villages. With Save the Children’s support, villagers were able to quickly clear debris that could have been hazardous to children, and with the money earned, could purchase items desperately needed, like children’s clothes and food.
Looking ahead
In any disaster, it is a family’s ability to earn money that is often the most affected. When farmers’ land is destroyed by a cyclone, it is crucial that they find other opportunities to secure a steady flow of income to continue to provide for their families.
We know that Fiji is prone to disaster. That’s why in the past 12 months we have been working with communities to provide them with training and tools they need for alternative work, so that next time, they will be in a better position to support their families.
We spoke with communities to find out where their skills lay and how we could best support them to develop alternative sources of income. Looking ahead we will be training and providing tools and resources to 64 communities in alternative income-generating activities to make sure they’re able to provide for their families after future disasters.
