Making a difference in someone’s life can be quite simple. However, often we are too busy to stop and think about what we can do to help.
To help you reflect on how you can make the world a better place, in this blog we highlight 6 small but important ways you can make a difference in someone’s life for the better.
1. Smile at a stranger
It costs nothing and is something we can all do. Next time you’re out on the street, at the shops or in the park, smiling at the people you pass. You never know, it could actually make someone’s day. Everyone needs a little bit more joy and happiness in their lives, and this is a great way to provide it.
Rather than looking at your phone, why not look up and appreciate what, or who, is around you? After all, we are human beings with the capacity to respond to a genuine show of warmth. A kind smile from a passer-by makes our neighbourhoods feel more connected.
2. Call up an old friend
As we get older and our lives become busy, we can often lose contact with those that used to be close to us. Even our nearest and dearest friends can turn into strangers as our careers, partners or kids start to take precedence.
You can make a difference in someone’s life who you used to be close to by giving them a call to catch-up. They will appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to think of them. Don’t just make this a one-off, try to give them a call once a week, month or year. You may not be able to see them all the time, but keeping in contact and knowing you are still friends can make a huge difference.
3.Help out an elderly neighbour
Whether you mow their lawn, take out their bins or help them with their groceries, giving your elderly neighbours a helping hand is a great way to make a difference in their lives.
When we are young and mobile we don’t often think about how hard it is for older people to do everyday tasks. Offering to do these quick tasks for them will help them out immensely in their everyday life and they will really appreciate the kind gesture.
4. Show someone you believe in them
When people feel that they have a support system, and that someone truly believes they can achieve their goals, they can become unstoppable. Showing someone that you have confidence in them can transform a person’s feelings and views about themselves.
Whether it’s a junior work colleague, your children or partner, a friend or a family member, showing someone that you believe in them and support their aspirations can make a world of difference. Knowing they have you to back them can motivate them to work harder, improve their confidence and achieve their dreams.
5.Be there to talk to someone when they are struggling
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. One of the most meaningful and important things you can do for a friend, loved one or work colleague is take the time to listen to them when you know they are struggling.
You might not be able to solve all their problems, but you can be a great listener and sounding board. Being there to talk to about serious issues make someone feel cared for and understood, and maybe a little less alone in the world.
6.Teach someone a new skill
As the saying goes: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. When you support someone in learning a new skill, you can change their life for the better.
You might teach a child how to ride a bike, your cousin how to drive a car, your colleague how to write a proposal, or your friend how to cook a lamb roast. Studies show that we also learn by teaching, so taking the time to share our talents and knowledge is invaluable for everyone involved. And you may just be giving an individual a skill they use throughout life.
Start making a difference today!
Whether you choose to smile at a stranger or tell someone you believe in them, your kind gesture will make a huge difference in someone’s life!
Don’t underestimate the power you have as an individual to make this world a better place. Be that positive change you wish to see and start today.
For millions of children and families around the world, the threat of natural disasters is very much a part of life. They don’t know when they’ll strike, or the impact they will have. The only way to live with this uncertainty, is to have a community based natural disaster response plan.
A 2012 ChildFund survey of more than 6,200 children from across the globe revealed that children globally are deeply concerned about the risk of natural disasters. Not only do they pose a threat to human life, and to our homes and property, but they can result in long-term psychological damage to the communities impacted. There may also be long-term economic consequences, particularly in rural areas where crops and livestock are affected.
In this blog, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the different types of natural disasters and how communities can create a response plan in advance.
What types of natural disasters can occur?
A natural disaster is defined as a naturally occurring phenomenon which is caused by either a rapid or slow onset of events. Natural disasters can be classified into five different types:
Geophysical: earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions
Hydrological: floods and avalanches
Climatological: drought, wildfires and extreme temperatures
Meteorological: storms, wave surges, cyclones and typhoons
Biological: insect and animal plagues.
Examples of recent natural disasters include Typhoon Rai, which hit the Philippines in December 2021, and Tonga’s volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami in January 2022.
What happens during the aftermath of a natural disaster?
Sindhulpalchowk District, where ChildFund is working, was one of the areas hardest-hit by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
2015 Nepal Earthquake.
Photo by Jake Lyell for ChildFund.
You’ll find a path of destruction and devastation left after a natural disaster passes through a community.
It can take weeks and months, sometimes years, for communities to recover and rebuild. The emotional toll that natural disasters have on children and families can impact a person’s way of life forever.
“Since that day, I’ve been like a person without a soul because of everything that I’ve lost,” Vee says. “I’ve lost my possessions, my house, and most importantly, my son and grandson.”
The 2018 floods ravaged Vee’s community in Laos, taking everything she held dear to her. Separated during the emergency, it was four days before she was reunited with her family at the Immigration Centre, set up to house the 6,000 displaced as a result of the flood.
Communities as first responders
A leading humanitarian information sourceon global crises and disease published a report examining the community impact of natural disasters. One key finding was that communities play the role of first responders within the first 72 hours, as this is usually the average time for external assistance to arrive. Emergency assistance can take even longer when trying to reach isolated and remote communities.
The report emphasises how critical it is for residents residing in disaster-prone regions to be ready to respond to the threat of natural disasters, and to have a disaster risk reduction plan in place. In Australia, organisations like the Rural Fire Service have bushfire survival plansavailable to help people ensure they are properly equipped in advance of any emergency.
How can communities prepare for a natural disaster?
No two natural disasters are the same, however they all require the same level of advance preparation..
Here are several ways communities can be forewarned and forearmed to reduce risk.
Learn from the past
Whilst devastating, natural disasters offer an insight into how to better prevent and prepare for another emergency in the future. Reflecting upon what worked well and what needs addressing could offer invaluable intel for a community’s response plan. According to an article published by the New York Times, people respond more effectively in an emergency if the threat occurring has been addressed in the past.
Establish a community action plan
The aim of a community action plan is to ensure everyone in a local area is aware of potential natural disasters. The response plan should highlight the most common threats to the region, establish safe zones of evacuation, and provide guidance on what to include in survival and emergency kits. Clear communication channels should be outlined in the community action plan and be adhered to.
Pack an emergency kit
Having an emergency kit ready to go makes a world of difference to keep safe during and after a natural disaster. The most important things to have on hand after a natural disaster include clean drinking water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit.
Listen To experts
Whether it is news reports of dangerous weather approaching, or local officials advising evacuation, a key to surviving a natural disaster in the community is to listen to the advice of experts and follow their recommendations.
What is the role of children in community based disaster risk reduction?
ChildFund has discovered that children often have different perceptions of what a hazard may be, compared to adults. It is essential that children have an opportunity to be actively involved in the community when it comes to community action planning for natural disasters.
Young people need to understand the risks of different hazards and the impact they could have not just on them individually, but to the community also. Life-saving programs, such as swimming lessons, are one way to equip children with skills needed in certain natural disasters.
ChildFund works in partnership with children, families and communities to plan, prepare and respond to the risks posed by natural disasters in the countries where we work. The primary objective is to mitigate potential risks through the development of a community action plan. These are developed using participatory approaches, and are consistent with United Nations principles for disaster risk reduction and according to relevant guidelines in each country.
“I live in a very vulnerable area, where there are many hazards: earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions,” she told ChildFund. “Here, as in most other places, children are the most vulnerable group when these natural disasters take place. Children need to be educated to understand the hazards and respond to the risks.”
Anastasia, who has been sponsored through ChildFund since she was 8 years old, worked tirelessly as part of her disaster risk reduction (DRR) training. Over two years, she completed three DRR courses and basic first aid. These skills will enable her to be a vital asset in her community should a natural disaster occur.
When she’s not preparing for her final school exams, Anastasia spends her free time conducting capacity and vulnerability assessments to help youth develop action plans in preparation for natural disasters.
“My hope is that DRR training can start in early childhood development (ECD) centres so children receive the training they need and will know what to do and not panic when a crisis hits.”
How can you help with the response after a natural disaster?
Unfortunately, despite all the advancements in technology, we don’t always know when a natural disaster may strike. But we do know that the key to survival is preparation and support.
Following a natural disaster in the countries where we work, ChildFund provides emergency assistance in a number of ways. This could include
establishing Child Centred Spaces that provide children with a safe place to play, learn and receive trauma support after a disaster;
setting up temporary learning shelters where children can continue their education when schools have been damaged or destroyed;
distributing emergency kits, materials and food rations in the immediate aftermath of a humanitarian emergency; and
supporting families to re-establish homes and livelihoods after a disaster.
Project Humanity is an emergency response initiative which funds disaster relief efforts in situations like the floods in Laos, or the Indonesian earthquake. By becoming a Project Humanity partner, you can help us be on the frontline of an emergency response to support affected communities during times of crisis.
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