CARE and Live & Learn are helping families recover from disaster. Donate now.
CARE and Live & Learn are helping families recover from disaster. Donate now.
CARE’S Charity Work in Fiji
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 its charity work 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 generous donations from 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.
Fast Facts
Population: 926,276 (July 2018 est.)
Life expectancy: 73.2 years (70.5 years male, 76 years female) (2018 est.)
Infant mortality: 9.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2018 est.)
Under-5 mortality*: 25.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
Maternal mortality: 30 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
Access to improved drinking water: 95.7% (99.5% urban, 91.2% rural)
Access to improved sanitation: 91.1% (93.4% urban, 88.4% rural)
GDP per capita: $9.800 (2017 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook, *UNICEF, ^World Bank
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 thei
r 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)
Recent Hurricanes and Cyclones in Fiji
Tropical Cyclone Harold
In early April 2020, Cyclone Harold tore across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga, killing many, and injuring thousands.
In Vanuatu, more than half of the country’s population were impacted, as Cyclone Harold caused widespread destruction to houses, food gardens, and infrastructure. The Category 5 storm – a savage repeat of the devastating Cyclone Pam which rocked Vanuatu in 2015 – knocked out communications, wiped out homes and flattened entire villages across a large number of islands.
Cyclone Yasa
On 17 December 2020, severe Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa tore through Fiji, leaving a devastating path of destruction in its wake. Hundreds were injured and left without safe shelter or a place to sleep.
Effects of disasters in Fiji
Asia and The Pacific are two of the most disaster-prone areas in the world — and the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. That’s why CARE Australia focuses its expertise in our region first, to make sure we have the greatest impact where it is needed most.
We’re working with communities to help prepare and plan for emergencies. In Fiji, our partner Live & Learn has been helping families build stronger homes to withstand strong winds. We have also been training Live & Learn to make sure their disaster responses consider the needs of all genders, the rights of children, and includes people of varying abilities.
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
CARE Australia has launched an appeal to support those affected by this disaster. Your donation will directly support our efforts, and those of our partners, to save lives and support survivors of Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
