Pictured above are the builders along with representatives from Habitat for Humanity NZ, Caritas Tonga and the NZ Government – just some of the people who made it happen!
With your help, we have completed 315 home repairs in Tonga following Cyclone Gita, exceeding the 300 repairs we had planned for in Phase 1 of the rebuild. Marking this milestone with a small ceremony earlier this month has allowed us to reflect on the impact we’re making together.
315 families are now better equipped for Cyclone Season which is right around the corner. Not only have our team of Habitat builders been working to repair the families’ homes, but each family has also learnt new skills to continue strengthening their home.
Sailosi was the Habitat Lead Builder for the 315 home repairs. He’s a man of few words, and he confessed he is much more comfortable on a roof than on a stage.
When speaking at the ceremony he said:
“I would like to express sincere thanks for the experience we get from the project. We are being sent to help the poor. We understand their needs, especially their silent desires that are not often heard.”
“I hope this ceremony is not a sign to an end but an affirmation of our hopes for a continuous collaboration in the future and for the years to come”
The first phase is complete, but like Sailosi we too have hopes for ongoing collaboration. We are ambitious about helping improve the shelter for 500 families across Tonga, and your support will help us to keep the work going.
Cyclone Gita was the biggest storm to hit Tonga in recorded history. The Cyclone Gita Rebuild must continue, because the need requires it. We know that when we work alongside families, they’re safer and better prepared for the next storm.
Looking ahead to our work in Tonga next year we are continuing the work towards supporting 500 families in Tonga improve their housing in the aftermath of Cyclone Gita, supporting families with major home repairs and full home rebuilds.
