Inhabiting about 100 small islands in the south Pacific, Fijians live with the constant risks of extreme weather and climate change impacting their homes and livelihoods.

CARE began working in Fiji through local partner organisation, Live & Learn, in 2016, after Cyclone Winston, the strongest storm ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, devastated the Pacific nation. More than 540,000 people were affected with 44 killed and 131 injured.

CARE Australia and local partner Live & Learn responded immediately, providing lifesaving aid to tens of thousands of those affected, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

The partnership between CARE and Live & Learn is a great example of the importance of working with local partners, you can read more about this localised approach here.

How we helped

Through our emergency response and recovery projects, CARE and Live & Learn reached more than 25,000 people across 231 communities and 19 schools. We:

• distributed emergency shelter kits, shelter repair toolkits and conducted safe building training to 2,500 families
• distributed hygiene kits including soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, water purification tablets and water containers to 4,196 families and 10 schools and provided training to ensure children and adults stay clean and healthy
• rehabilitated or constructed 17 community water supply systems
• constructed and repaired 253 toilets
• distributed seed kits to 4,290 families and established 17 community nurseries for growing food crops to eat and sell
• conducted agricultural training for 231 communities

The generosity of our supporters continues to make an impact in Fiji and is helping families to rebuild and recover from the devastating cyclone.

“I appreciate the assistance provided by CARE and Live & Learn and for coming here and showing that you do really care and helping us service the ongoing challenges we face in our lives.

“Some of the things we received were farming tools to start growing our vegetables, seedlings were provided too. Not only that but the tools to rebuild the house. These are some of the things that helped us restart our lives.” Mere, mother of three.

Sanaila and Andi live with their three young grandchildren. Their home was completely destroyed by Cyclone Winston.

“We appreciate and thank you again for the distribution of the necessities in the red buckets: tooth paste, soap, hygiene kits, garden tools, which enabled us to plant and smile each week, so thank you a lot for your assistance.” Sanaila (right)

“Being a mother and grandmother as well, those supplies gave us so much help looking after the grandchildren, feeding them, cleaning them, sending them back to school.” Andi (left)

Emergency response

CARE provides emergency food, relief supplies, water and sanitation, and shelter to survivors of natural disasters and conflicts, reaching some of the most vulnerable, marginalised and worst hit communities.

After the emergency phase has passed, our efforts help communities to rebuild over the long term. We assist those most vulnerable to emergencies to build disaster-resistant housing and develop disaster plans in the event of future emergencies.

Help us reach families affected by disasters. Donate to our Global Emergency Fund.

Donate now

Support our ongoing work to create a more equal world.

Your donation can help end extreme poverty and give people the means to build a better future for themselves in countries like Fiji.

For those living in extreme poverty, your support brings education and training, healthcare and clean water, nutritious food, and new ways to earn an income. And in times of crisis, you help us deliver emergency relief.

READ MORE ABOUT CARE’S WORK IN FIJI