The Shelter Within: Restoring Hope in Fiji
When a small group of passionate Salvationists visited Fiji in 1973, they could not have imagined the profound impact The Salvation Army would have five decades later. Today its ministries and community programmes are restoring dignity, offering hope and creating lasting change for thousands. This month, SALT magazine celebrates some of the people and projects making a powerful difference across Fiji.
When I reflect on the movement of the Holy Spirit in our division, I am overwhelmed,’ shares Major Phillippa Serevi, divisional commander for Fiji. ‘Every month I enrol new soldiers across the country. We have a home for our street boys, support women through our Family Care Centres and serve in communities where we are the voice for the marginalised and overlooked. I see lives transformed, young people finding purpose, families restored and communities strengthened through faith and practical support. It’s a privilege to witness the hope and healing happening across Fiji.’
Since its humble beginnings, The Salvation Army in Fiji has grown into a deeply rooted and respected presence across the islands. Its reach spans 18 corps (churches) and corps plants, alongside three Family Care Centres, three Tiny Tots early childhood centres, a court and corrections ministry, youth rehabilitation programmes, Kauwai Youth Restoration Service, corridor ministries, soup kitchen ministries, work with street workers and a School for Officer Training (SFOT) in Suva.
Behind these wide-reaching ministries are many dedicated individuals whose passion and service bring The Salvation Army’s mission to life. This month, we honour Salvationists across Fiji who are stepping into leadership, advocacy and frontline care, faithfully embodying the Army’s commitment to faith in action—one life at a time.
Healing and empowering women
Faith in action is a daily experience for Lieutenant Karen Krishnan, who manages the Suva Family Care Centre. Tragically, domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness affect many women and children across Fiji, leaving them without safety, support or a permanent home.
At the Suva centre, Karen and her team provide more than just shelter, they offer a pathway to healing and restoration. ‘We believe in community,’ shares Karen. ‘The women who come to stay with us sometimes have no family and no support. We temporarily become their home.’
Depending on their needs, women and their children may stay overnight or for as long as six months. ‘Many of our women have experienced abuse. We focus on their mental, emotional and spiritual healing as we journey with them,’ says Karen.
The women are welcomed into a nurturing community, where they follow structured daily routines that include Bible study, morning devotions, prayer time, counselling, shared meals and fellowship. ‘The longer they stay, the more involved we become in their personal development,’ explains Karen.
‘We teach them how to write a CV, apply for jobs and help them find employment. If they are interested in studying, we apply for grants and match them to suitable courses. We also teach practical skills like sewing and art.
‘Our goal is to support our women to become independent, and by the time they leave, many are equipped to step into stable, meaningful employment.’ Once ready, women and their children are placed in a secure home. ‘We stay connected by linking them with a local Salvation Army corps (church), and some become active members of their church communities and join Home League.
‘It’s so wonderful to see these women come to life. Many arrive in chaos. They are deeply wounded and lacking self-esteem, and they become thriving, vibrant, independent women. As they heal and grow, they begin to realise what they’re capable of. I love hearing them laugh, seeing them connect with their children and watch hope return to their lives.’
A place to call home
Youth homelessness in Fiji has risen steeply in recent years, with increasing numbers of young people left without shelter or support. This growing crisis is closely linked to family breakdowns, poverty, substance abuse and limited access to education and employment opportunities. In response, the Fijian Government, together with organisations like The Salvation Army, is working to provide safe spaces, support and opportunities for young people to rebuild their lives.
For Amani Waqetia, manager of the Kauwai Youth Restoration Service, this work is deeply personal. ‘I experienced a family break up when I was nine years old,’ shares Amani. ‘I know what it’s like to live on the streets and not to have a place to stay.’
It is from this place of empathy and lived experience that Amani has developed a deep heart for young boys facing similar challenges. He has worked with youth ever since he gave his life to Christ 17 years ago, but it was a camp, several years ago, that changed everything. ‘We had planned on sharing God’s Word with the boys, but instead we shifted our approach. During the Saturday evening talanoa (a time of open conversation) we began sharing our stories to show the boys that we understood what they were going through. One by one, they began to share their own stories,’ explains Amani.
‘Our hearts were broken by what we heard. After that camp, the boys asked if we could continue meeting. Some even asked if they could return to school. That moment marked the birth of this ministry,’ shares Amani.
For many years, Amani and his wife Kara opened their home to young boys in need, offering love and a fresh start. As the number of boys needing care grew, it became clear that a more permanent solution was needed. With the support of the Charis Foundation, The Salvation Army Kauwai Youth Restoration Services Boys’ Home in Samabula, Suva, was opened in November 2024. This home provides a safe and nurturing environment for 12 boys under the age of 17.
Amani and Kara moved into their new premises last year, bringing with them the five boys who were already living in their care. Soon after, they welcomed another seven boys, quickly filling the home. ‘We are so grateful for this opportunity,’ shares Amani. ‘We follow a family model for all our boys. We want them to know that they can call on us if there is anything they need.’ Recently, they relocated to an even larger premises and currently have 18 boys living with them.
‘Our boys stay as long as they need to, but we try and connect them back with their families whenever possible. Some go home for the weekends and return during the week, as we work with parents to prepare them for their home reintegration. We make sure they attend school, and have lunches and schoolbooks,’ explains Amani. ‘Many of the boys arrive with addictions to drugs and alcohol, and some are living with HIV. We ensure they receive their medication and support them in making healthier choices for their futures.’
Amani smiles as he recalls boys who have left the home and gone on to lead transformed lives—acquiring jobs and starting their own families. One now works in missionary outreach, another helps run the home, and two brothers are serving in the navy and military. ‘Ultimately, it’s up to the boys to make their own choices,’ he says. ‘But when they come here, we make sure they know who they are in the light of God’s Word. I am so thankful to God for the privilege of ministering to these boys and the opportunity to stand in the gap that I once felt as a young person.’
New beginnings
As the court and corrections officer and chaplain (to women) in Suva, Major Louisa Raico works closely with women navigating the challenges of incarceration, as well as those living in diversion programmes. Her role is both pastoral and practical, offering guidance, support and hope to women at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives.
‘At the corrections facility we offer a range of supportive services—including counselling, life skills, the Positive Lifestyle Programme and Sunday services. We also assist women with their court appearances and requirements,’ shares Louisa.
‘We teach them practical skills like crafts, weaving, sewing and cooking. These are all valuable tools for generating income, both while in prison and once they return home. We provide the materials and expertise, and they do the work. Whatever they sell, they keep the profits. Many leave prison with a small nest egg, which helps them begin rebuilding their lives.
‘A large part of my role is helping families stay connected and bonded. I make sure they’re able to visit their loved ones in prison. I also help their families set up income-generating businesses in their villages. When the women are released, I facilitate their transition and reconciliation with their families.’
The Salvation Army’s ministry within the corrections facility includes opportunities for women to attend devotionals, singing sessions, correspondence courses and Bible studies. ‘We make sure each woman is given a Bible,’ says Louisa. ‘We want to offer something that supports their faith journey. It is the only book they are allowed to keep inside, and when they leave many take it with them and treasure it.’
Louisa offers similar support to women living at home on diversion, ensuring they have the skills and resources they need to become self-sufficient. ‘I encourage these women to focus on staying with their families and growing their businesses,’ she says. ‘Through these small enterprises, many mothers can afford school supplies for their children and help them succeed at school. When we support our mothers, we support their children.
‘I tell all my women, “Once you have paid your debt, you are free. If you look back, you’ll get stuck. Instead, focus on your family and focus on a new way of life.” My hope is that each woman will reconnect with her family and come to know the transformational love of God.’
