Fusi’s new home brings safety, warmth and hope

For years, Fusi worried every time the rain came.

At 74, she was caring for her son, who lives with a disability, in a house that was no longer strong enough to protect them. Heavy winds pushed cold air through gaps in the walls. Water leaked through the roof and the floor was bare earth.

“When there is heavy rain our home gets affected,” says Fusi. “It’s only prayers that have kept this home still grounded.”

Everything changed when Fusi’s family became part of Habitat for Humanity New Zealand’s Build Back Safer training programme in Tonga, delivered in partnership with Live & Learn Tonga. Through the programme, local community members learn practical construction skills while building a disaster-resilient home alongside a local family in the community.

“I’ve always wished and hoped for my children living with me to have a proper shelter that is safe and they feel protected,” she says.

Over 10 days, trainees worked together to build Fusi’s new home from the ground up, including 19-year-old trainee Tiseni, who said helping build the home made him feel “proud.” [Read Tiseni’s story here.]

The Build Back Safer programme does more than build homes. It equips communities with practical skills to identify risks, strengthen homes against disasters and support one another long after the training ends.

“Now with a new home, we have a proper shelter that keeps us warm and protected,” she says. “What you have provided is answers to our prayers.”

Fusi has her family under one roof and a home that can weather whatever comes next.