"We are working with all humanitarian responders at national, provincial and area council level to strengthen two-way information communication with affected communities,” Frida said. “By building accountability and transparency, we are enabling communities to have a say in how they prepare, how they respond, and how they can rebuild. It makes a huge difference."

In PNG, Disaster READY partners are helping communities to think differently about crop harvesting and storing, by exploring techniques that mean food is available through the leaner months.

“Now we know how to act. We are not helpless anymore. We are ready.” Learn how Anticipatory Action training in Timor-Leste meant Monica and her family were safe during a recent flooding event.

Since Pastor John arrived in his community six years ago, he has witnessed eight deaths from people drinking contaminated water. John worked quickly to mobilise his community, reaching out to Disaster READY parter, Baptist Union, for support.

Celene is a person with disability living in Vanuatu. She was appointed the lead of her Community Disaster and Climate Change Committee. “In every community, there’s always someone living with a disability. That’s why it’s important to have women in CDCCC—because mothers have a beautiful heart to listen to them and better assist.”

For years, Jay Nasilasila, current chair of Fiji’s Disaster READY Country Committee in Fiji, has been inspiring us with unrelenting advocacy for strengthened disability inclusion in disaster preparedness.

“Disaster preparedness isn’t just about me—it’s about everyone in my family knowing what to do. This training has transformed how we approach emergencies, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my community.”

Disaster READY both facilitates and relies on excellent working relationships throughout its network of partners. In Solomon Islands, partners are looking to each other to run trainings that tap into local knowledge to support communities to prepare for disasters.

Through an innovative savings scheme, Pastor Roney and other community members in Vanuatu save money together in small amounts and lend to each other when needs arise

In Vanuatu, the adoption of Kobo Collect, a mobile data tool, proved vital after the December 2024 earthquake. Despite challenges, trained locals swiftly gathered real-time damage data, aiding Disaster READY partners to coordinate an effective response.

“Before the Savings and Loans program started in our village, I had to carry water from the river in buckets to irrigate the crops in my backyard. It was incredibly difficult because I lacked a practical way to access water.” Learn how World Vision in Timor-Leste has used special funding to combat the impacts of El Nino.

“Updating our population data list is crucial to avoid repeating the same mistakes in future distributions.” Read how one Ni-Vanuatu woman’s understanding of data is ensuring no-one is being left behind.

With support from the Disaster READY program, Anita can now train others on how to identify risks caused by climate change.

“It has really made it easier for someone like me to have a bank account,” Rita said. “It’s also the first time for me to receive cash.” Read how cash and voucher assistance through Disaster READY is transforming the lives of women with disabilities.

"Together, with the support of our partners and the dedication of our community, we will build a future where Britano shines as a beacon of resilience and progress." Follow Jesse’s journey to become the chair of his community’s Community Disaster & Climate Change Committee.

In Papua New Guinea, Disaster READY’s Climate Change Adaptation programs are increasing women’s economic empowerment, tackling food insecurity, and providing and income to support children’s education.

The climate crisis is escalating at a rapid rate. Worsening weather events, propelled by climate change, are causing havoc in the poorest countries, who are least responsible for the emissions driving the climate disaster.

After returning from overseas seasonal work and attending a Haos Blong Yumi workshop, Greg Charlie was able to build a house for his family.

Before attending a Haos Blong Yumi workshop in Vanuatu, Sandy had no knowledge on how to build a climate-resilient, modern house. He now uses his skills to work in construction.

WITTT Sunshine has grown from a membership of three in 2018, to a network of 600 women with disability in Vanuatu. The group now plays an integral role in women-led, local, disability-inclusive disaster response.