HUMANITY IMPARTIALITY NEUTRALITY INDEPENDENCE VOLUNTARY SERVICE UNITY UNIVERSALITY

Contents

ISSN 1994-859XISSUE: 1

CR SS ROADSF I J I R E D C R O S S S O C I E T Y

July - October 20099

Youth on the Move - Doing more, doing better and reaching further.

Page 4 More on the Solferino trip

Page 6 RC Action in Samoa & Tonga

Page 7 Tsunami Alert in Fiji

Page 8 Strategic Plan Review

Page 9 Wash Your Hands Project

Page 12 Health & Welfare

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solferino – where Henry Dunant was first inspired to help people in crisis – thousands of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff gathered in the Italian town in June 2009 for a week of celebration.

Volunteers and staff from across the world met to share ideas and take part in events at a specially constructed Humanitarian village. Not only did Solferino represent an occasion for celebrations and joy, its Humanitarian village and side events effectively contributed in training and sensitising hundreds of young volunteers. Five hundred young volunteers from 150 National Societies were also invited to participate in the Youth-on-the-Move programme where a Youth Declaration was endorsed. Among the youth ambassadors were our Fiji Red Cross Tavua Branch

volunteer Navin Prakash Reddy and Disaster Coordinator Vuli Gauna.

The week culminated with the famous Fiaccolata, a five-mile torchlight procession that re-traces the route taken by farmers transporting injured soldiers from the Solferino battlefield to makeshift hospitals in nearby Castiglione. The Fiaccolata event annually attracts more than 8,000 people. This highlights to the entire world the Unity, Universality, and the strength of our International Movement.

Following the closing ceremony, 300 young volunteers carried their Youth Declaration on a symbolic journey to Geneva, following the footsteps of Henry Dunant’s return home after the Battle of Solferino. In Geneva, they presented the Declaration to a gathering of international community representatives (governments,

UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations) at an official ceremony.

, Fiji.

C

Jerome Kado

, Fiji.

C

Jerome Kado

, Fiji.

C

Jerome Kado

EDITORS’ DESKThis year, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies all over the World mark the 150th Anniversary of Henry Dunant’s inspiration from the horrors of the Battle of Solferino where he mobilised nearby villagers to care for the wounded soldiers…and led to the formation of voluntary relief societies.

This edition focuses on the celebrations that were held in Solferino, Italy in June 2009, which was attended by Navin Prakash Reddy (Tavua Volunteer) and Vuli Gauna (Disaster Coordinator).

We take this opportunity to highlight the work (although not a direct FRCS activity) of our sister societies Samoa and Tonga and our Movement partners in response to the desperate plight of the thousands affected by the recent tsunami. Also an update of funds collected in response to our Pacific Tsunami Public Appeal.

As part of our advocacy for safer communities and in collaboration with our handwash project, it gives us much pleasure to share with our readers our disaster, health and hygiene promotion pack. In the spirit of the handwash concept, we hope that our readers who enjoy the comfort of everyday bacterial soap will use this opportunity to share our pack with loved ones, families and friends out in the rural communities who, we are sure will appreciate the token.

And as we edge towards Christmas, it is a time of caring and sharing. By purchasing items or donating cash, you will be contributing to alleviating the suffering of those less fortunate in our communities…details on page 15.

On behalf of the Fiji Red Cross Society family, we take this opportunity to wish you and your families an enjoyable and safe festive season.

Regards,Editors

P.SNote that we use the plural “Editors” for this issue, for the simple reason that this edition has been a collaborative effort by the team at the National Office led by Lavinia Tivaknoa and Teresia Dolodai. Teresia who joined the Red Cross family in June, is Personal Assistant to the Director General and has been a key member in putting this edition together.

VIEWPOINT The challenge of good Governance

Governance can be described as the way an organisation sets direction by making decisions about people, priorities, programmes and services: the mechanism through which accountability is realised and the act of ensuring compliance with legal controls. Interest in governance issues and ensuring good governance is benefitting from unprecedented global awareness – in public, private and not-for-profit organisations like us here at Red Cross.

Our Movement places high importance on good governance, emphasising that transparency and accountability to all stakeholders are essential for effective and efficient national societies. We have excellent tools available providing comprehensive guidelines on governance issues and, if vigorously applied, will ensure that every national society enjoys good governance.

The guidelines include key elements of governance especially the National Board - with its composition, mandate and conduct. Our Society makes certain these are followed and conducts regular internal assessments against the well-functioning board assessment checklist. This, together with strict adherence to our Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality, ensures that Fiji Red Cross Society boasts good governance.

Alison Cupit Director General

2

, Fiji.

C

Jerome Kado

FIJ I

RE

DC

RO S S S O

CIE

TY

3

27 September 2009

Dear Red Coss,

Thank you for your esteemed invitation to the Society’s forthcoming workshop.

Regrettably for one reason or other I shan’t be able to be there as scheduled.

None the less and as always I wish the Fiji Red Cross well in all its endeavours.

Best Regards.

Yours sincerely,Tim Tuivaga

MEMORIES OF SOLFERINO – A TRIP TO REMEMBER

Navin Reddy (writing) in action during group work.

Entrance to the humanitarian village at the campsite in Solferino.

Thousands marched with torches following the paths of those who carried the injured during the Battle of Solferino.

One hundred and fifty years ago, a battle in northern Italy sparked an idea that has since changed the world. On 24 June 1859, Henry Dunant, a young Geneva businessman, witnessed horrifying suffering and agony following the battle of Solferino. In response, he mobilised the nearby village of Castiglione to care for all wounded, regardless of their nationality. Unable to forget what he had seen when he returned home, Dunant wrote a book A Memory of Solferino, in which he proposed the idea of voluntary relief societies.

The need for humanitarian action is still as vital today as it was in 1859. To mark the 150th anniversary of the battle and to highlight Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency disaster response as well as long-term humanitarian programmes, more than 500 youth volunteers and staff from National Societies gathered at the site of the Battle of Solferino, Italy.

Representing Fiji Red Cross at the 3rd Red Cross Red Crescent International meeting in Solferino was Navin Reddy, member of our Tavua Branch and Vuli Gauna who is our Disaster Coordinator. Navin, aged 27 is the secretary of our Tavua branch, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to that, he has been a committed volunteer for the branch. An opportunity to represent the Society at a worldwide meeting is one that Navin regards as a real blessing.

4

Navin Reddy with his Swiss Family.

“I was delighted when I received the call from my branch president, telling me that I have been selected to go to Solferino”

“For real?...was my answer, I never dreamt a Red Cross trip overseas in my lifetime”

“Thankfully, it was real. Travel arrangements were made and Vuli & I left our shores on 19th June”

“In Milan, we took the sleeper train to Paris. Amazingly few people understood what Vuli and I were trying to say when we enquired about the train, when they did the response would be….oh! run train leaving now”

“Finally arrived at the much awaited venue for the Youth on the Move meeting – Solferino”

“One of the major highlights for me was the ‘Fiaccolata’, this was an experience of a lifetime as we were required to complete a 10km journey on foot at a very unfamiliar and remote village. Fortunately for me, I took part in something similar while being part of the FRCS Disaster Response training”

“My participations in workshops and discussions with fellow youth members from other sister societies boosted my self morale as I was able to not only learn new things but to share of experiences faced back home”.

“Upon meeting my Swiss family, I felt nervous at first. But thanks to my host mother and her warm welcome, without delay I felt like I’m home”

“It has really made me understand the principles and disciplines of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement”

“This is the trip of my lifetime, - I will always remember! All thanks to my Red Cross family in Fiji”

NAVIN’S ACCOUNT OF THE TRIP OF HIS LIFETIME

5

RED CROSS TO THE RESCUE IN TONGA AND SAMOA

the support that you have been provided. What Tonga Red Cross feels that the amount is not the issue but the love and sisterhood to our other national societies in the Pacific is the most important thing.

Sincerely,Sione TaumaefolauSecretary General Tonga Red Cross

On the 30th of September, mother-nature showed her powers in Tonga and Samoa….and the rest of the world responded with greater power of compassion! Fiji was no different. Our Pacific Tsunami Appeal was launched on 1st October to help out those affected by the tsunami.

Prior to the launch of the Appeal, our Society had initially responded to the disaster by donating FJ$10,000 to Samoa Red Cross and FJ$3,000 to Tonga Red Cross to assist with their relief work.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Fiji people, the appeal has now reached FJ$17,165.25 as this edition goes to press. The response by our people here is overwhelming – thank you all. We anticipate remitting the funds collected together with any additional donations by the end of November. The funds will be used to help our sister societies restock their disaster response supplies, purchase those goods and services identified for disaster response, and to plan and implement longer term recovery programmes and projects.

Activities in Tonga and Samoa include the provision of psychosocial support, relief, and shelter. Programmes providing clean water, improved sanitation, rebuilding homes, schools and hospitals have been possible with the support of the International Federation and other sister National Societies.

The communities will restart and rebuild their lives anew. The National Societies, with their network of branches within Tonga and Samoa, will no doubt continue to assist victims in their communities, in whatever way they can.

We are pleased to share with our readers an email message we received from Tautala Mauala, Secretary General, Samoa Red Cross writing to her colleagues in the Pacific three days after the tsunami waves struck Samoa and an appreciation note from Sione Taumaefolau, Secretary General of the Tongan Red Cross Society:

Email message from Samoa Red Cross.

“There’s still a few hours to rest my eyes and be up again before sunrise. Thanks for sharing your condolences with us. Yes, it hasn’t been easy trying to battle a motherly feeling towards losing sons, daughters, siblings, parents and husbands, at one unexpected go.

However, I have to be strong through my teeth to be able to lead my team and keep the momentum going. I thank the Lord for empowering me to be able to upkeep the “power of humanity” through leading my usual herd and welcoming everyone and anyone who came along to help. I believe in human development, my friends, because they not only contribute to the needed manpower, but they share our responsibilities, loads, pressures and sorrows, if we let them.

Unity is the name of the game. No wonder the Red Cross Movement’s success in everything does prevail.....because of human power, our “volunteers”. I know all of you are behind us, that’s why we’re strong. So I must thank you all our Red Cross Red Crescent colleagues for your spirits and thoughts behind us. They mean a lot to us and we treasure them. Fafetai tele lava!!

Tautala Mauala and the Samoa Red Cross team

Note of appreciation from Tonga Red Cross Society.

28 October 2009

On behalf of the Tonga Red Cross Society chairperson, Hon ‘Alaileula Tuku’aho, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the support that Fiji Red Cross Society provided to the Tonga Red Cross Society by donated T$2867.70 receipt number 1134 towards its response to Tsunami victims on September 30th 2009. Please convey to the members and volunteers, management and Governance of the Fiji Red Cross Society our heartfelt appreciation for

6

A week after the tsunami that affected Tonga and Samoa, an earthquake occurring off the northwest of Vanuatu triggered a Pacific wide tsunami warning. Fiji was earmarked to be in the direct path of the tidal wave. The Hawaii Tsunami Centre and the DISMAC team warnings were sent out just before 11.00am on 8 October.

Given the recent tsunami devastation in Samoa, many took heed of the warning. Amidst the rush to move to higher ground, many flocked to schools to pick their children and traffic mounted on almost every street in the Suva city. With the help of police, people were directed to move away from the central business district. Mobile phone network was so busy that it was almost impossible to make a call to loved ones.

However, in response to the tsunami alert, our volunteers and staff were mobilised. An emergency tent was set up at Victoria Park with emergency packs, first aid kits, drinking water, and communication equipments i.e. satellite phones, portable radio telephones and our fleet of vehicles.

Fortunately, no tidal wave was actually recorded, and we were pleased to have been on hand to provide first aid assistance to a stu-dent who suffered an asthma attack at the height of all the excitement.

In any disaster or emergency, preparedness is imperative.

DISASTERS DO HAPPEN – ARE YOU PREPARED

7

Charting a new course, our entire Society i.e. volunteers, national board, national council, staff, stakeholders and donors have been involved with the review of our Strategic Plan 2006-2009 and designing the new one inline with our International Federation’s new Strategy 2020. We are in the final stages of drafting our 5-year Strategic Plan for 2010-2014. Although our core programmes essentially remain the same, the plan envisages a more dynamic approach and much greater capacity building.

An important part of the process was to conduct a Stakeholders Workshop where we presented the general outline of the plan to our partners and asked for their feedback. Branch executives met on the 3-4 October at the Red Cross House and collectively contributed towards the new Plan. In addition, the Society hosted an external workshop on 7 October. The Holiday Inn in Suva provided a perfect venue. The day proved to be a successful one, as our stakeholders shared their ideas and concerns following the presentations by the FRCS programme coordinators.

Notable among the stakeholders were representatives from the Ministry of Education, Health, NDMO, Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Police Force, United Nations Agencies, Donor Agencies, National Fire Authority, Land Transport Authority, St John Ambulance, University of the South Pacific, Fiji National Council for the Disabled People, National Food & Nutrition Centre, Donors, FRCS Branches, IFRC and ICRC.

The consultation process has been completed with the drafting committee ready to finalise the Plan for National Board to sign off by December.

Our thanks to facilitators: Mr. Terence Butt, New Zealand Red Cross delegate, secretariat Ms. Mary Chapman, Head of Regional Delegation of the International Federation of the Red Cross Ms. Aurelia Balpe and Asia Pacific OD delegate Mr. Mukesh Singh for their invaluable support and assistance in facilitating the Workshops.

DESIGNING OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN 2010-2014

8

“Hands Up For Hygiene” or “Hand Washing Saves Lives” is the catchphrase of the recently launched campaign to promote good hygiene practices. The project was launched in August this year in the Northern Division targeting schools mainly in three provinces i.e. Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata.

Through the help of Education Officers and school teachers in the North together with our trained and committed volunteers from Labasa, Bua, Seaqaqa and Savusavu, the project has been a huge success.

The mode of delivery in getting the message of sound hygiene practices across is designed to appeal to children by using stickers and posters with simply presented and messages and illustrations, to remind them that washing their hands can help prevent many types of diseases.

Hygiene kits are distributed to students through the targeted schools in the North. These kits contain information, educational and communication materials and other protective materials such as soaps and gloves. The stickers and posters would be pasted on books, desks and walls as a daily reminder to students and members of the community, and take the initiative to practise good hygiene.

Good handwashing behaviour helps keep children healthy so they don’t miss school through sickness due to diseases that are easily preventable by washing of hands, and consequently depriving them of essential education.

HAND WASHING SAVES LIVES

9

RESPONDING TO VICTIMS OF FIRE

In times of emergency, the Society reaches out to assist people who experience hardship or misfortune. Our aim is to ‘bridge the gap’ in social service delivery and ensure we can assist the most vulnerable in Fiji in any way we can.

Mr. Joji Koronikainamata’s two bedroom house in Cautata Village in Tailevu was completely razed on 29th August while the family was out attending a wedding ceremony. Joji and his family not only lost their home, but all of their belongings. A distressed Mr. Koronikainamata visited us on 15 September with only one thing in mind ‘Red Cross will help’. With him was a hand written application letter seeking assistance from Red Cross, and supporting documents from relevant authorities confirming the misfortune that has happened to him and his family.

When asked how he knew Red Cross offers such assistance, Mr Koronikainamata replied “apart from the T.V, newspaper & radio, Red Cross is well known for providing help to rural communities during a flood or hurricane”.

Now, Joji admits that all his sweat and toil for the last decade has gone up in smoke and he has to start from scratch to rebuild a place for him and his family. Here at Red Cross, we would like to make this a little easier.

In response to Joji’s request for assistance, Disaster Officer, Emosi Sakaturu and Youth Coordinator, Ledua Eseroma visited the Koronikainamata family and assisted with a Family Emergency Pack consisiting of bed sheets, towels, clothes, matches, soap, insect repellent, water containers, a tarpaulin and a cooking set. An emotional Mr. Koronikainamata was overwhelmed with the assistance rendered and thanked the Society for responding at a time when everything seems so bleak. In a separate incident, our team also visited and assisted Ms Dimanu Qaloena’s family at Nanuku Settlement in Vatuwaqa who lost her house and all her family’s belongings in a fire.

The following is a brief guide to fire safety in the home:

Extinguish all naked flames such as candles and diyyas when you leave the room.• Make sure that the stove is completely off when you have finished cooking. Ensure that the wick •

in kerosene stove is still not burning even when you have lowered the flame lever.Have your house wiring checked regularly by a licensed electrician – change the wiring when •

it’s due.Don’t leave candles and other naked flame light sources near flammables such as curtains and •

tea towels.Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your home.• Keep gas lighters and matches away from children.•

If you need more information on how to make your home safer contact the National Fire Authority nearest to you.

10

Junior Red Cross (JRC) Clubs remain a very active component of our Youth Programme. This programme runs in 137 schools with an additional 10 coming on board this year.

Students participating in the JRC undertake as their goal any one of the following projects:

Youth involvement in the protection of • health and lifeYouth involvement in Community • ServiceYouth involvement in friendship and • understandingYouth involvement and awareness of • the Red Cross Movement

As part of the Junior Red Cross, a new project designed to bring greater relevance to Red Cross activities in schools is underway. It is a teacher’s guide to help teachers conduct the JRC programmes in schools in a more meaningful and structured manner.

LEARNING RED CROSS IN SCHOOLS

Below is a progress report on Junior Red Cross from Rampur Primary School.

Rampur Primary SchoolP.O.Box 175Navua.

Fiji Red Cross SocietyG. P. O. Box 569Suva.

Attention: Mr Eseroma Ledua, Youth Coordinator

Dear Sir,

This is a short report and progress of my Junior Red Cross club in Rampur Primary School. All together now I am having 33 students in the club. Children are always looking forward for the club day. Even some of the children start to wear their Red Cross uniform to school and they are very much interested. At the moment we are learning about the fundamental principles of the Red Cross. From this term we are having our clubs on Wednesday.

Even Sir your visit to our school really help me to organise my club very well. As before we did not have much teaching aid that can be used to teach students about Red Cross. But from your visit and together with the information which you have delivered to our children was very enlightening and also encouraging. They have learnt much from you. Visit like this well help students to get more clear view of Red Cross Society and their aim and object.

Thank you Mr. Ledua for your kind support.

Yours faithfully,Karishma Kajal KapoorT.P.F. 83919

The Guide covers the core areas that we deliver our services – Disaster, Humanitarian Values, Health and Safety.

After extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, it is now in its final stage and with approval from the Ministry of Education, will be introduced to schools in 2010.

11

Con’t on next page.

CARING FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE

Vulnerability is a word used to describe the level of exposure one has to certain elements. For example, vulnerability to landslide if your house is located at the foot of a denuded hill, to bankruptcy if your business is not doing too well and to poverty if you are unemployed, disabled or chronically ill.

In any context, the “vulnerability” is a relative term to assess an exposure risk based on various factors. For the Fiji Red Cross working with the most vulnerable means only two things – extreme poverty and urgent assistance needed. And those who are the most vulnerable are the ones that we work with.

The Society through its branches and trained health and welfare volunteers visited and assisted a number of families affected by exigent circumstances brought on by illness, old age, poverty and inability to provide themselves even with the barest necessities for survival.

One such case was Praveena Wati who lives outside of Tavua town. Praveena suffers from mental illness and has been cared for by her sister who struggles to make ends meet without any reliable source of income. For months a neighbour provided food and security for the sisters. Through the Department of Social Welfare, Praveena’s case was brought to light and immediately our Tavua branch volunteers visited Praveena and her sister. In doing so, they provided necessary advocacy and support such as cleaning their house, home based care further to their regular visitations each month. Referrals made to other welfare organisations which helped out with other needs such as food and clothing.

12

We learnt a lot from your • organisation, how to keep ourselves healthy and save our money by growing our own vegetables. We want to have more sessions again.

We are thankful to Red Cross for • providing us with a wheelchair, without them he couldn’t be discharged from the Hospital

Thank you for visiting us and • giving information on diabetes and hypertension

I was extremely happy to organise • an awareness workshop in my village. The workshop was run by Red Cross personnel. It was a very timely educational and an eye opener exercise. They have made a great impact in the lives of our children.

The session was a good one and • the theme was well covered.

We are very happy that these • people help us and come to visit us all the time

Comments from Health and Welfare beneficiaries

In Ba, volunteers managed to bring some degree of cheer to Deewani Amma. Following a short illness and as a result of her diabetic condition, Deewani had a below the knee amputation on her right leg. As part of the visitation by our volunteers, they conducted sessions on healthy eating, and also provided training to Deewani’s carer on mobility techniques such as lifting and moving. Our volunteers managed to source Deewani a wheelchair from the Sai Organisation.

On the day of delivery, the members were glad to witness a gleaming smile on Deewani’s face as she whole heartedly thanked the Red Cross Society and the SaiOrganisation for the wonderful gift.

Praveena and Deewani are but two of the hundreds that our volunteers from the 15 branches assist each year through our Health and Welfare Programme.

13

14

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

Are you looking for gift ideas this Christmas? Look no further! Available at our Red Cross shop are a range of First Aid Kits.

How about buying one for that special someone or for your own home this Christmas!

Call us on Ph: 331 4133 for our special rates.

SANTA SUIT HIRE

If you need a SANTA SUIT for your Christmas Bash this year, call us and book in advance. Great hire rates!

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Again this year, we have a range of Christmas cards on sale. Place your orders with Lavinia Tivaknoa at National Office on Ph: 331 4133; Fax: 330 3818; Email: helpdesk@redcross.com.fj

All proceeds from the sale of Christmas cards and Santa Suit hire goes back into funding our community-based programmes which are delivered free to the most vulnerable.

FIJ I

RE

DC

RO S S S O

CIE

TY

15

PROGRAMMES &

Health & WelfareBlood Donor Advocacy and RecruitmentAmbulatory AidsCommunity based First Aid & Mind That ChildHealth Promotion Programmes

- HIV & AIDS in the Workplace- HIV & AIDS and STI education in schools,

communities- Prevention of non-communicable & communicable

diseases

Disaster PreparednessDisaster Response

Basic First Aid & CPRCPR RefresherElementary First AidFirst Aid at SeaMind That ChildFiji Swim (Water Safety)First Aid ProductsAmbulatory Aids (sale/hire/repairs/spares)First Aid StandbyPatient Care Products

Junior Red Cross Club

Peer EducationYouth Link

Fundamental PrinciplesGeneva ConventionsSafer Access Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

FundraisingPublications & IEC MaterialsCorporate DonationsIndividual DonationsMarketingPublic RelationsProposal Writing

SERVICES

HEALTH & CARE

DISASTER

SAFETY

YOUTH

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

Restoring Family Links Contact National Office for services