In the remote island of Nayau in Fiji’s Lau group, vocational training is changing lives by strengthening communities and creating new pathways for economic opportunities.

At 37 years old, Samuela Bulabalavu from Naracivo Village reflects on how far he has come. Before attending training delivered by Habitat for Humanity Fiji, his carpentry skills were informally learned by observing village carpenters. While this gave him a foundation, he felt that it lacked the technical precision and standards needed for safe and resilient construction. That changed when he participated in Habitat’s vocational training programme. “The training changed everything,” Samuela shares. “Now I understand proper construction methods—from profiling to correct spacing and the use of strapping to strengthen every joint. It has improved the quality, safety, and durability of the homes we build.”

Equipped with practical skills, tools, and knowledge aligned with building standards, Samuela has since taken on a leading role in construction projects within his community. From renovating family homes to contributing to major village infrastructure such as bridges, churches, and community halls, he is now among those relied upon to guide and lead building efforts.

Beyond the village, the training has opened up new income-generating opportunities. Samuela has secured paid construction work in urban areas, applying his skills as a block layer and builder and earning an income while gaining further experience working alongside engineers. To date, he has earned over $1,000 through construction work—an important source of financial stability.

The impact of the training extends beyond individual benefit. With a background in forestry, sawmilling, and timber processing, Samuela now sees an opportunity to give back. As the newly elected president of the village youth committee, he envisions establishing a local training centre focused on joinery, carpentry, and portable sawmilling and creating a space where young people can learn practical skills and build sustainable livelihoods.

“Habitat’s training completed the cycle for me,” he explains. “Now I want to pass this knowledge on to the youth, so they can also have opportunities.”