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SOLOMON Islands Red Cross on Wednesday launched its four year Strategic Plan, with the aim of reaching 30 per cent of the population by the end of 2020.
The Strategic Plan is the culmination of six months’ work and consultation with staff, members and volunteers, as well as stakeholders and communities.
The plan has three goals – to improve community resilience, to build a strong Red Cross National Society, and to strengthen influence and partnerships with key partners and stakeholders.
These goals will help the Red Cross to achieve its mission: “To prevent and alleviate suffering by working with communities and partners providing quality humanitarian services to vulnerable people, in accordance with fundamental principles of the movement.”
Speaking at the launching, Solomon Islands Red Cross secretary general Thomas Bebeu said the main change in direction will be the decentralization of Red Cross work from headquarters to the branches.
“We will be driven by volunteers and members in our branches. A strong branch network is critical for our sustainability and for our responsibilities to the Solomon Islands government,” Mr Bebeu said.
The Red Cross will form new branches in Makira, Isabel and Choiseul provinces.
The plan also mentions investing more time and resources in Red Cross volunteers, forming new domestic partnerships and helping communities to become more resilient to disasters and emergencies.
“We will also be trying to increase our pool of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, encouraging more youth to join the Red Cross and continuing to support the education of children with special needs through the Red Cross Special Development Centre.”
“I look forward to leading the Solomon Islands Red Cross as it works towards achieving these goals,” Mr Bebeu said.
Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga was the guest of honour at yesterday’s launching ceremony.
Mr Maelanga said it is heartening to see initiatives in the Strategic Plan include the aim of decentralizing, as well as a plan to build up the branch network.
“Investing in local disaster networks will enhance the work of both the Red Cross and the government, as communities take more ownership of what happens in their own back yards.
“I am pleased to see the word ‘partnerships’ feature prominently in this Strategic Plan.
“Not only has the partnership with the government, but with the private sectored as well. We can all work together to address vulnerability in our society and the closer we work together the greater the impact we can have,” Mr Maelanga said.
He also highlighted Solomon Islands government productive relationship with the Solomon Islands Red Cross since its formal establishment in 1983 through an Act of Parliament.
“This Act gives the relationship between us special meaning and stands the Red Cross apart from other humanitarian organizations, as the sole agency given the mandate to support the government during disasters and emergencies.
“Solomon Islands Red Cross has played a significant role alongside government during natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and cyclones, as well as outbreaks of disease such as dengue fever.
“As recently as last month, Red Cross volunteers and staff were out in communities alongside staff from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Ministry of Education, disseminating information about dengue fever, including how to avoid catching it, and how to recognize symptoms.
“And in December last year the Solomon Islands Red Cross supported our National Disaster Management Office to assist those affected when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck in Makira Province,” Mr Maelanga said.
“The Red Cross input was invaluable and these links between the two of us will only become stronger as our government starts reviewing its disaster laws, policies and plans, which may also lead to a review of the Red Cross Act.
“Red Cross will work alongside local provincial government to assist communities during disasters, build resilience to future disasters, disseminate information about international humanitarian law, and deliver its longstanding first aid and blood donation programs.”
Mr Maelanga said that investing more time and energy in Red Cross volunteers will also ensure vital linkages between communities, the Red Cross and the government.
The Deputy Prime Minister then thanked the Red Cross board and management for their commitment in ensuring the integrity and accountability of the organization, the vision in steering the national society and volunteers for their tireless humanitarian work.
The launching at St. Barnabas Cathedral Melanesian Leaf Haus was attended by government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, friends and partners of the Red Cross, Solomon Islands Red Cross board, management, members, volunteers and staff, and students from the Special Development Centre who performed a traditional dance to mark the occasion.
By TEDDY KAFO
