Fostering Youth Engagement During a Crisis

In response to mounting crises posed by the pandemic of COVID-19 and tropical cyclone Harold, many local communities and Aid agencies in Vanuatu have taken up the role as stakeholders in helping Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) on the regional, provincial, and community level to coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters across the country. 

As the result of the deadly monster storm that barreled through the northern part of Vanuatu in the early hours of the 6th of April, and leaving behind widespread damage to some parts of the Islands, officials had no choice but to put on hold the corona-virus social measures for evacuees. Taking an internal approach, the NDMO decided to close the country’s borders not allowing any foreign aid workers to enter Vanuatu in order to prevent the virus. This has made the lives for those on the front line and for a handful of qualified relief workers very difficult.

A group of young locally trained humanitarians who are working with several Aid agencies on the ground has stepped up to the plate to help out as well. Friends of the Nation Youth have been on the ground in Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island since the cyclone struck. Some of the members of the group who called Santo their home, have also lost everything and have expressed concern about rebuilding amidst the fear of the corona-virus. Despite their fears and concerns, they have gone ahead and organized working parties to distribute seeds for backyard gardening, help to rebuild houses around their communities, and gave moral support as well. Local participants, including young residents, can offer valuable understandings of the dynamics of local places in times of crisis. Valuing the roles of young people and their voices in times of crisis is vital. 

Listen to story behind the work being done

Mrs. Beatreace's home destroyed by tropical cyclone, Harold at Bannan area on the Island of Santo

Friends of the Nation Youth Santo distributing food and seeds for backyard gardens to families in Santo that have lost their houses during tropical cyclone, Harold.

One of the team members of Friends of the Nation Youth handing over seeds and a seasonal calendar to a daughter and mother who have also lost their home during the cyclone.

A community shop completely destroyed by tropical cyclone Harold. Mr. Alphonse’s shop.

Handing out food, seeds, and a seasonal calendar to families that lost their homes during the cyclone.

Despite the fact that most of the team members of the Friends of the Nation Youth have lost their homes during the category 5 cyclone; they were able to purchase food and some materials to send to the families who have lost their homes on the island of Pentecost.