In Fiji, Daulomani means to love. It is the act of truly seeing and accepting another in their entirety—their flaws, their beauty, their struggles—and choosing, again and again, to walk beside them. This essence of love and compassion is what defines the Daulomani Safe Home.
In response to the increasing hardships brought on by the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwina Biyau founded the Daulomani Safe Home. As living conditions grew unsafe, many people found themselves without a place to call home. The crisis intensified the challenges faced by those from diverse gender backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals struggling with financial stress.
Uncertainty, fear, stigma, and discrimination adding to their vulnerability, left many in desperate need of shelter and support. “I saw the need—individuals neglected or cast aside by society needed homes,” shared Edwina. Her personal journey shaped the mission of Daulomani. “At 13, I found myself living on the streets. I had to learn how to survive on my own and find the strength to keep going.”
She started with a single, properly built structure, but as more people sought refuge, she expanded by using tents and sheds to ensure everyone had a place to stay. However, this brought its own set of challenges. Each person who arrived at the shelter had unique needs. The elderly, people with disabilities, and children required extra care and attention. Ensuring there was enough food, proper sanitation, clean water, and other basic necessities was a constant struggle.
Fortunately, Edwina’s dedication, along with the support from various individuals and organizations, garnered much-needed resources. Donations of essential items helped meet daily needs, but living in tents and makeshift shelters was not ideal for the residents’ health and wellbeing. In a disaster-prone country like Fiji, such temporary living conditions were unsustainable.
“I would wake up the whole night till morning to make sure everyone has a dry clean place”, Edwina recalls. Recognizing the urgent need for adequate housing, Habitat for Humanity Fiji built two proper homes for the residents of the Home. These new houses with another planned to be completed soon, is equipped with proper sanitation facilities, and can accommodate at least 12 individuals, ensuring a safer, healthier, and more dignified environment. This initiative marks a vital step towards improving the residents’ quality of life, providing them with stability and security.
For Edwina, love is the foundation of it all.
“Love is the key to life. It’s what gives you hope, activates your strength, restores unity, and heals us.” This deeply resonates with Habitat’s vision of putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. The spirit of collaboration is evident in our partnerships with Habitat for Humanity South Korea, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, and the JP Bayly Trust, who have come together to help make the Daulomani Safe Home a reality. Through this love, the Home can welcome anyone in need, making sure no one gets left behind.
