Save the Children in the Solomon Islands: Emergency Appeal launched

Save the Children today launched an Emergency Appeal in response to the tsunami devastated Solomon Islands

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The 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:

• HIV and AIDS Prevention Project
• Child Advocacy Project
• Youth Outreach Project
• Children and Young People in Conflict with Law Project

ENDS

Save the Children Australia is part of the International Save the Children Alliance, made up of 27 member countries.  Working in over 100 countries, Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights development organisation.

For more information please contact:

Sharyn Hanly:  +61 3 9938 2011 or Mob: 0418 560 810
Contact Save the Children Australia Media Centre: +61 3 9938 2000
Email address: media@savethechildren.org.au

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