Tonga Community Development Trust is undertaking a needs assessment on Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua and appointing new staff to manage the recovery programme.

CWS is grateful for the generous support to the Tonga Emergency Appeal after the eruption of Hunga Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai in January. The women’s programme Ama Takiloa will train and support the identified communities to repair and replace rainwater systems. The groups will re-establish gardens with a focus on disaster resilient foods like pele, and new crops like vanilla and kava as well as sandalwood trees. Families will receive chickens or ducks and materials to house the birds.

The Family Centre in Lower Hutt is producing a training video on community-based psychosocial care based on their extensive experience in Samoa. The video will help staff train local groups as they provide support.

Ama Takiloa will assist the groups in marketing the traditional crafts that provide important family income. In the second year, they plan to produce their own recipe book using disaster-resilient foods like large taro. The programme will give local people the resources they need as well as train them in first aid.

by Gillian Southey
Christian World Service