Vanuatu Met boosts climate resilience with vital staff communications training

4 July 2025, Port Vila – In a significant boost to Vanuatu's climate communication efforts, 24 staff members of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) have been equipped with practical skills to design and execute impactful community outreach activities.

This was the outcome of the second intensive Communications Training workshop for VMGD through the Climate Information Services for Resilient Development Planning in Vanuatu (VanKIRAP) project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and expertly facilitated by Red Eye Creative.

The one-day training focussed on application, moving beyond theory to provide staff with usable tools, including a "Simple Outreach Communication Plan Outline". The practical plan empowers staff to understand audiences, set outreach goals, provide key messages, ensure effective engagement, monitor progress and plan the next steps in their work with communities.
"This training wasn't just about communication skills; it was about strategically empowering our frontline staff – the bridge between vital climate information and the communities who need it most,” said Mr. Levu Antfalo, Director, VMGD. 

“Equipping VMGD teams, including our excellent female and male participants, with this structured planning approach ensures our outreach under VanKIRAP is targeted, effective, and truly resonates. This directly translates GCF's investment into tangible, on-the-ground resilience for Vanuatu." 

The training demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusive capacity building. "Bringing it all together into this simple plan outline was crucial," explained Ms. Jennifer Kausei, Red Eye Creative facilitator. 

"This isn't about complex reports; it's a practical roadmap. The goal is to maximize VanKIRAP’s impact by making every outreach effort strategic and effective. Planning is iterative – you learn and adapt. The role of VMGD staff in planning and executing effective outreach is absolutely vital to building a more resilient Vanuatu."

Participants solidified their learning through a hands-on final activity, working in groups to rapidly apply the new 7-step outline to real-world scenarios they might encounter in their VanKIRAP work. The session concluded with reflections, where participants shared key takeaways, emphasizing newfound confidence in audience targeting, message crafting, and structured planning.
"The training equipped us with foundational knowledge and skills we can use right now," shared Ms. Frida Manusia, VMGD participant. "Having a clear structure for planning our next community event, knowing how to define our audience and goals specifically, and practicing how to craft messages that resonate – this will make our outreach much more impactful."

"Before, planning outreach felt overwhelming. Now, having this simple 7-step plan – gives me clear direction,” said Mr. Brian Iarapia, VMGD. 

“Knowing exactly how to define our audience in a village, craft a message they'll actually listen to, and choose the right channel like the chiefs' network or local radio makes me feel much more confident walking into our next community meeting. This training gave us tools we can use tomorrow."

The capacity-building initiative, made possible by GCF funding and Red Eye Creative's facilitation, directly supports VMGD's mission to enhance climate information services and resilience in Vanuatu. 

Equipped with these practical communication tools, VMGD staff are now better prepared to ensure vital climate adaptation and preparedness messages reach the right people, in the right way, at the right time. For more information, do not hesitate to follow VMGD Facebook or VanKIRAP Facebook pages or visit VMGD website https://www.vmgd.gov.vu/   
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