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hand washing. The show has included competitions among school-
children and the general public to raise awareness of actions people can
take to protect themselves from disaster risks.
To assist in addressing communication problems both during a disas-
ter and at normal times, the New Zealand Red Cross has rolled out a
communications strategy across the Pacific in conjunction with Pacific
National Societies. The ‘talking briefcase’ contains a satellite phone,
various types of charger, and instructions on how to operate it, all in
a waterproof carry case. The Tuvalu Red Cross has been distributing
the phones to the outer islands and training branch volunteers in their
use. Positioning satellite phones on remote islands increases warning
times and reduces response times for climate and non climate-related
disasters.
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The Tuvalu Red Cross has used its satellite phones to deal
with emergencies and rented them out to the public to raise funds.
When distributing the equipment, the Tuvalu Red Cross also works
with communities to map hazards, such as storms, and find out what
coping mechanisms they have that can be built upon. It conducts
integrated programmes with communities on disaster preparedness
and first aid, in which information on climate change is incorpo-
rated since it is such a major concern for the country. The Society
facilitates discussions on the effects of climate change on the commu-
nity and what solutions they and others, including the government,
can come up with to counter those effects.
Young people have also been actively involved in Red Cross
programmes. School programmes run jointly by the Tuvalu Red Cross,
the TuvaluMeteorological Office and the National Disaster Management
Office have targeted primary school pupils and are very popular. The
programmes provide an overview of the role of each agency, tips on
survival before, during and after a disaster, and information on climate
and weather, and include drawing activities, a question and answer
session, and first-aid training. Young people have also participated in
a national poster design competition on climate change.
Project impact
The response capacity on the islands has improved and been put to the
test during flooding events. Trained Red Cross volunteers are a valu-
able addition to the small resource base of the National Disaster
Management Office.
There is a better understanding of the Red Cross role and princi-
ples among the general public and national stakeholders, which is an
important first step in building future partnerships. Branches on the
outer islands are being revived to enable better outreach, with ‘on
location’ trained volunteers able to respond quickly in the event of
an emergency.
The experiences of Tuvalu Red Cross have been documented in the
Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Guide to assist other national soci-
eties that are seeking guidance on how to get started on climate change.
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The Tuvalu Red Cross is now an active member of the National
Disaster Committee and works in partnership with the National
Disaster Management Office and the Tuvalu Meteorological Office,
facilitating the sharing of expertise and the pooling of resources.
Eight satellite phones have been distributed to the outer islands and
the isolated islet of Funafala to facilitate emergency communications.
People in Tuvalu have a better understanding of climate change
and what steps can be taken to address it.
Youth groups know about and are involved in Red Cross activities.
They have taken part in workshops on climate change and disaster risk
reduction, prompting them to initiate related activities in their own
communities.
In an international exchange, the Tuvalu Red Cross
has been providing materials to a British Red Cross
youth worker who has been highlighting the impacts
of climate change in Tuvalu in United Kingdom
schools; the materials are being used for the develop-
ment of youth drama based on the flooding event that
occurred.
Lessons learned
• Developing strategic and operational partnerships
results in less duplication, greater sharing of knowl-
edge, and better funding efficiency
• Creative communications, using media and drama
offers exciting opportunities
• Conducting regular scheduled ‘call-ins’ to head-
quarters using satellite phones that have been
distributed ensures users continue to get practice
• Climate change integrates naturally within regular
programmes but also presents the opportunity to
ask what can we do more of, differently or better?
• Hiring out equipment such as satellite phones in
remote locations, with the right provisions in place,
can be an effective fundraiser for the Red Cross
• Strong media interest can provide an opportunity to
highlight the need for proactivity and risk reduction
measures in dealing with the impacts of climate
change
• Tapping into existing networks, such as youth
groups, can be effective; young people can be
powerful and creative agents of change
• Technical knowledge in government ministries can
be complemented by the use of volunteers to spread
information and serve as ‘the legs and the voice’ on
the ground
• Addressing climate change can reinvigorate and
empower young volunteers
• Incorporating simulation exercises and conducting
regular refresher courses are important in volunteer
training
• In a small country, volunteers can be shared
between organizations to ensure that they are not
underutilized
• Sharing experiences with other stakeholders means
that a topic or a problem can be viewed from many
angles.
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Where to next?
The Tuvalu Red Cross plans to expand its activities
further to ensure that disaster risk reduction, prepared-
ness and response reach even the furthest islet. These
will build on existing partnerships and activities with
their partners and include induction of more volunteers
on outer islands, sharing community participation skills
and linking communities to expertise and funding
sources. Tuvalu will also continue to input into the
regional capacity of the Pacific Red Cross Movement.
From little things, big things grow!
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Adapted from an original IFRC report.
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