FROM THE FIELD
Save the Children today launched an
Emergency Appeal in response to the tsunami devastated Solomon Islands
Telephone 1800 76 00 11
or donate online hereThe western provincial capital of Gizo was hit by a powerful10-metre
tsunami as a result of an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale, which struck on Monday.Karen Hill, General Manager, Development with Save the Children Australia departs tonight for
the capital Honiara. On arrival, Ms. Hill will be available for interview from Gizo where Save the Children has been active for over 20 years. The organisation has extensive programs in
place addressing health, education and child protection, with 45 staff across five provinces of the Solomon Islands.“We have a Youth Outreach Project in the affected area that can reach
over 20,000 people. We shall use this extensive network to mobilise people to identify and provide protection for unaccompanied children and set up safe spaces for children,” said Margaret
Douglas, CEO of Save the Children Australia.Christine Mitini, Child Protection Manager with Save the Children in the Solomon Islands will co-ordinate the NGO response on behalf of the
Government National Disaster Council. Three boats depart Honiara tonight with urgent supplies bound for Gizo. Also on board are local Save the Children staff keen to check on
family caught in the disaster. On arrival they will determine the level of trauma experienced by the villagers, provide safe areas for children to guard against child exploitation and put
policies in place to provide child protection.In the Solomon Islands, Save the Children programs include:Read other media releases here
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
