In June, the Safe n Redi program – a CAN DO initiative – was honoured as one of five global finalists for the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction, selected from nearly 200 nominations worldwide.
While the award ultimately went to another organisation, the recognition marked a significant milestone for CAN
DO and its partners. Representing the Pacific delegation were Jay Nasilasila, the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Coordinator for the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FDPF); Chey Mattner, Director of CAN DO; and Aloysius Canete, Emergency Management Program Manager for ADRA Australia.
At the heart of Safe n Redi is a powerful idea: mapping and upgrading churches, schools, and community buildings across the Pacific to serve as safe, accessible evacuation centres. Using GIS technology and data collected by over 1,700 trained local volunteers -including youth, church leaders, and people with disabilities – the program has mapped more than 1,200 facilities across the South Pacific. These centres are designed to meet national standards and ensure safe, dignified access for all, especially women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Jay Nasilasila, the chair of the Disaster READY Country Committee and a wheelchair user from Vanua Levu, plays a
pivotal role in ensuring disability inclusion is embedded in every stage of the program.
As a DRR focal point for FDPF, Jay leads training, resource development, and mentoring for NGO partners across Fiji.
“For me, this is an opportunity where people with disabilities can also be seen as leaders. Representation matters – being part of high-level decision-making means we can advocate for meaningful inclusion that truly affects lives.” Jay said.
The Safe n Redi program, funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership,
exemplifies what’s possible when faith-based networks, local leadership, and inclusive design come together. As climate-related disasters increase in frequency and intensity, initiatives like Safe n Redi offer a replicable model for building resilience that leaves no one behind.
View the Safe n Redi video here: