A family of faith and service

Our vision is to promote human dignity, social justice, and care for our common home by working in solidarity with the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable communities across Fiji.

Driven by faith
Experts in WASH, Disaster preparedness, social inclusion and
From Fiji, for Fiji
Cropped – water tank

The Caritas Fiji team at the Suva office during a safeguarding workshop in 2025

Our story so far

While were formally established as part of the Caritas Confederation in 2019 our team has been working in Fiji for a decade as the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Suva. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, we have supported communities through cyclones, COVID, and our present national crises with drugs and HIV as a voice for the voiceless.

2015

Our start – the Justice and Peace Commission

Caritas Archdiocese of Suva (Caritas Fiji) started its life as the Justice and Peace Commission for the Archdiocese of Suva in Fiji. The commission did WASH projects for parishes, largely supported by volunteers and funded by the church, as well as serving as the ongoing voice of the church around environmental justice.

Caritas Fiji is honored still have team members who worked for the Commission back in 2015 who have been with the organization for the full journey.

2016

Our first grant – Cyclone Winston

In 2016 Fiji was hit by a devastating cyclone, Cyclone Winston. The team at the Commission sought external donor support for the first time from Caritas Australia and Caritas New Zealand, to provide emergency supplies such as shelter kits, food packs across Viti Levu including Natovi, and the islands of Taveuni and Koro.

2017 – 2019

Ongoing service in WASH and advocacy

The team delivered advocacy and WASH projects across Fiji, largely funded by church funds including the Lenten appeal.

2019

We joined the confederation and became Caritas Fiji

Caritas Fiji was formally founded as a separate NGO to the Archdiocese of Suva and joined the confederation.

The vision was to upscale and professionalize the organization to let it stand on its own two feet and seek funding independent from the Archdiocese while still working closely together and serving as the prophetic voice of the church.

2022

A permanent home – and ongoing service

The team moved into our current office in Hercules Street in Suva, near the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

And continued serving communities – delivering ongoing WASH and advocacy projects often working with CRS Catholic Relief Services, and USAID.

2025

The USAID withdrawal

When USAID withdrew funding, the Caritas Fiji team pivoted to find more opportunities for service and was graciously supported to continue our many projects by Caritas Australia.

2026

Persevering in faith

The team has provided ongoing support to communities including multiple WASH projects and ongoing advocacy work in schools, on our national crises and with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Our values

Our team

We have had many people journey with us at Caritas Fiji over the years. We thank them all for their contributions and being part of our family. Only current staff members and our board members are listed below.

Our board

Our Board provides strategic leadership and ensures Caritas Fiji remains accountable, faith-driven, and community-focused

The head of the church in Fiji. A steadfast spiritual leader and dedicated champion for social justice, human dignity, and resilience throughout our communities.

A compassionate retired parish priest and skilled practitioner holding a master’s degree in counseling and trauma, Father Sigarara brings deep healing and practical care to the heart of our communities.

A lawyer and passionate advocate for human rights and the elimination of gender-based violence with experience across civil society, private practice, and international development.

A human Resources Management Consultant with extensive experience in the airline and tourism industry, Isake specializes in developing policies and strategies that align with business goals and empower people to perform at their best.

With over 24 years of executive experience in the airline industry, Josephine Yee Joy brings strong expertise in finance, governance, and strategic management. Also, currently serves as a Director and Company Secretary on several commercial boards.

Our team

Our team do the day-to-day work of at Caritas Fiji. We have experts in disaster preparedness, WASH, advocacy, young people, finance from all across Fiji who have been working with the Church for more than a decade.

Arthur
Groom

Executive Director responsible for leading the organization

Leba
Tamari

Advocacy and program lead – responsible for leading the project delivery

Tevita Naikasowalu

WASH Officer – with more than 20 years of WASH experience

Iosefo
Tamani

Field officer responsible for our DRR programs

Frederick
Sukhu

Finance lead – responsible for our governance and financial controls

Seralina
Sauduadua

Housekeeping and office administration

Our resources

Our prayer

Na noda masu