Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) is set to work collaboratively with stakeholders to oversee child-centred climate change adaptation programs.
During a consultation meeting yesterday the stakeholders applauded projects implemented so far to fight climate change and welcomed initiatives the NGO has formulated.
Stakeholders comprised representatives from Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MERHD) Development, Provincial Child Desk office, Red Cross and Live & Learn.
SIDT Director Longden Manedika stressed the importance of the consultation meeting.
“As citizens and leaders of tomorrow, children play a key role in making a better future and building resilience for the future,” Me Manedika said.
“The current mounting threat of climate change automatically demands a ‘child-centred’ approach,” he added.
Mr Manedika explained that the importance for adults, particularly decision makers to see themselves as mentors and partners of children in the process rather than as controlling agents.
MEHRD Primary Division Director Benedict Esibaea welcomed the initiative to work collaboratively with SIDT in light of educational approach.
“I applaud SIDT’s ongoing effort to implementing child centred climate change adaptation (4CA) projects in the rural communities,” Mr Esibaea said.
“This child centred approach, which you’ve formulated is relevant to the education system. It broadens the base seeing more people are involved to advocate for climate change resilience.”
Mr Esibaea said they are looking forward to incorporate climate change programs into the primary education system.
“This new incentive is a bonus for our ministry’s policy review team. There is a section in the educational reformed system which this new incentives of child-centred approach to climate change will be slotted in.”
He assured SIDT that their plans to work collaboratively with stakeholders will set the benchmark for other government ministries and private organisations to contribute effectively and enticed international aid donors in battling climate change on our shores.
Provincial desk officer Loretta Ta’ake also addressed the SIDT team, saying their incentives are complimented.
“Child-centred climate change adaptation process is relevant to ‘child protection’ which is an objective of the national children policy,” Ms Ta’ake said.
“Under the Ministry of women, youth and children, we compliment SIDT with their ongoing efforts.
“We ensure children’s policy is implemented at the rural level whilst benefits are also derived.”
Two other stakeholders present, Red Cross and Live & Learn, also welcomed the initiatives and promised to work collaboratively with SIDT on climate change issues.
“We will provide help in areas that need technical expertise and provide information that is most relevant to children upbringing.”
SIDT embarked on phase 1 of their Disaster Project ‘Child Centred Climate Change Adaptation (4CA) Project’ in 2012.
The overall goal is to ‘build safe and resilient communities in which children and youth contribute to managing and reducing the risks associated with changes in climate’.
The project is implemented at three schools and eight communities of Makira/ulawa Province and completed late last year.
Phase 2 (2015-2017) is set to target 1 school and three communities in Russell Islands.
By TEDDY KAFO
