sourced from World Vision

Amelia Fawcett

Fawcett will provide psychosocial support to children and communities affected in Gizo, Simbo and Ranongga islands  and is a World Vision child protection specialist,

“Children are incredibly vulnerable following a disaster. Fear of another tsunami, aftershocks and family stress all contribute to a pretty tough reality,” says Fawcett.

“There are hundreds of families currently living in temporary shelters, which makes day-to-day living difficult. I will be working with some of these communities to determine how best to support them and their children,” she said.

Ms Fawcett will work alongside other relief organisations and Solomon Islands government ministries to develop and implement a child protection programme, which will include child welfare activities that aid recovery.

Concern is for the safety and welfare of children affected by the tsunami

Fawcett has previously conducted child protection work with World Vision in Pakistan after the 2005 earthquake, and in East Timor last September following unrest.

World Vision’s response in the Solomons has covered areas of health and sanitation, shelter and emergency supplies. The aid agency has so far received $80,000 from public donations.