Embracing family preparedness

By Daniel Taufaga, Project Manager, CAN DO, Fiji

For Elia Sarisoso Matawalu, a retired civil servant and senior pastor of the New Methodist Church, attending the Leadership Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Training, which focused on the Family Emergency Management Plan (FEMP), was a first in many ways.

Organized by the LIFEBREAD Stay Connected Foundation (Fiji) in partnership with the Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CANDO), the training provided a comprehensive approach to household disaster preparedness.

Mr. Matawalu, a father and a person with a disability, has spent years serving his community through government work and ministry. Yet, he admits this was his first exposure to formal disaster risk management.

"I've worked for the government for a long time, but this training opened my eyes to how vital it is for families to prepare together for disasters," the pastor said. "It's not just an individual responsibility—it's a family effort."

The training made an immediate impact on Elia's life. He took the lessons home and shared them with his family during their weekly family night. "We sat together and discussed what I learned," Elia explained. "For the first time, we talked about what each of us would do if a disaster struck. We assigned roles—everyone now knows their responsibility. This has given us confidence and a sense of readiness we didn't have before."

In Fiji, disaster preparedness is often left until the last moment, with many people waiting until the winds of a cyclone begin to pick up before securing their homes. Elia recognized this as a common but dangerous habit.

"The training emphasized the importance of starting early," he said. "I've realized that preparedness begins long before a disaster, and that delegating tasks ensures we're not overwhelmed when the time comes."

His story is a testament to the core message of the CANDO program: preparedness begins at home but extends to the wider community. By equipping individuals and families with the knowledge and tools to create Family Emergency Management Plans, the program aims to build resilience from the ground up.

"This training has not only prepared my family but also equipped me as a pastor to help others in my congregation and community," Elia shared. "If every family is prepared, then as a community, we'll be stronger and better able to support one another during a crisis."

For Elia, disaster preparedness is deeply intertwined with his faith. "As a Christian, preparation is a principle I live by every day—spiritually and practically," he noted. "This training aligns with those values. It’s about being ready for whatever comes and ensuring that my family and community are safe and resilient."

Through the DRM/FEMP Training*, Elia now feels empowered to lead by example. By fostering preparedness in his own household, he is inspiring others to prioritize planning and collaboration.