Habitat for Humanity Fiji works with diverse communities across the country, each shaped by unique languages, cultures, traditions, livelihoods, geographic settings, and social dynamics. This diversity also includes varying financial capacities, housing needs, and levels of access to essential services.

For our interventions to be effective, our team must enter each community equipped with the right skills to deliver meaningful work—building homes, strengthening local capacities, and establishing systems that are thoughtfully integrated into the community’s cultural and social environment. This approach helps strengthen both resilience and long-term sustainability.

This year, through the Negotiated Partnership Project (NP)—supported by Habitat for Humanity New Zealand and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)—three Habitat Fiji staff members completed training that enhances both their personal growth and our organizational capacity.

Senior Community Development Coordinator, Adi Arieta Baleivale, and Community Development Officer, Mereoni Tabuanicava, successfully completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through the University of the South Pacific’s Pacific Technical and Further Education (TAFE). The selection for the training was based on their roles as lead trainers for the Participatory Approach Community Climate Resilience (PACCR)—a key training program focused on building disaster and climate resilience within communities.

This certification has equipped them with the ability to design and deliver training that is practical, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of different communities. Whether facilitating climate resilience sessions or raising awareness around issues like disaster risk reduction and working alongside vulnerable and marginalised groups.

“It adds real value to current programming and sets a strong foundation for scaling future initiatives. Supporting staff from Habitat Fiji to complete this certification aligns directly with our goal of strengthening in-country capacity to deliver high-quality, community-led programmes.” – Elizabeth Fitton-Higgins, Director of International Programmes, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand

Losalini Nalawa, Projects & Community Development Manager at Habitat for Humanity Fiji, said that Arieta and Mereoni’s newly acquired skills would undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of the Community Development team, enabling them to deliver more effective and impactful training sessions.

In parallel, Senior Carpenter and Plumber, Colin Rokobuli, another valued team member, completed a practical course titled “Read Building Plans and Calculate Plumbing Quantities” through the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC). This course strengthens our technical construction capacity, ensuring we continue to meet safe and sustainable building standards.

“By building our internal human resources, we reduce reliance on external support and foster a more resilient and self-sufficient workforce. This training directly contributes to improved service delivery, better program implementation, and the effective dissemination of knowledge across the organization.” – Sowane Puamau, NP Project Manager, Habitat for Humanity Fiji

“Our partnership with Habitat Fiji is grounded in shared values, and a deep commitment to people-centred development. Over the years, we’ve worked closely together on everything from housing and disaster response to inclusive climate resilience. Capacity building will always be a central part of that partnership—whether through formal qualifications, mentoring, cross-country team or peer learning exchanges across the region. We’re proud of what’s been achieved so far and excited about what’s ahead.”- Elizabeth Fitton-Higgins, Director of International Programmes, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand