Long-term Resilience Building in Dominica

In September 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Dominica, causing catastrophic damage across the island. IsraAID arrived shortly after to support urgent relief efforts. Nine years later, what began as an emergency response has evolved into a long-term partnership supporting Dominica’s vision of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation. Over nearly a decade, our work has focused on strengthening local capacity across every level of society so communities have the skills, resources, and systems to prepare for and withstand future crises.

In Dominica, preparedness starts in the classroom. We have worked with every nursery, primary, and secondary school on the island - engaging more than 70 institutions - to develop and update comprehensive School Emergency Operating Plans. In coordination with the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Service, we conduct regular simulation drills for fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis, while also partnering with special needs schools to ensure disaster risk reduction practices are inclusive of every child.

Our livelihoods programs focus on helping local entrepreneurs diversify their income. We provide digital training, mentorship, and seed capital, and collaborate with the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project to ensure that remote rural communities and people with disabilities can access both online work and critical emergency communications.

We also continue to deliver practical hazard response training - equipping district disaster committees, youth emergency teams, and local responders with vital skills in search and rescue, first aid, CPR, and psychological first aid.

Marking this nine-year milestone is a testament to the dedication of Dominica’s communities and the impact of sustained, grassroots partnership. Thank you for your continued support, which makes this work possible every day.