Through the construction of capture holes and permanent cisterns, Disaster READY teams are supporting communities in Timor-Leste to strengthened their resilience against water scarcity. The initiative has improved access to water for farming and income generation, enhanced school hygiene (WASH), and supported consistent food supplies for student nutrition.

Agustinho’s community learnt that true resilience is built by working together. “When we build gabions, we protect our farms,” he said. “When we conserve water and plant trees, we protect our future. This project has brought real change. We are no longer afraid of the floods. We have water to drink, trees to protect our soil, and savings to support our families. All we need now is to keep working together.”

"Our ancestors didn't even understand the food preservation methods… Now, my children and I won't be hungry when the dry season comes; we still have our flour to eat." Read how Disaster READY is enhancing food security and providing an income for women in PNG.

Through Disaster READY, CARE has worked with Sulphur Bay and five other nearby communities to form and strengthen local CDCCCs—grassroots structures that are reshaping how disasters are understood and managed at the village level. The program has helped transform disaster planning from something reactive and ad hoc into something proactive and inclusive.

"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.