OUR VISION

A Socially and Ecologically Just Society

Our Story

Caritas Fiji, as the social arm of the Catholic Church, is a dedicated organisation called to put faith and love into action to build a socially and ecologically just Fijian society.

Our mission is to do whatever it takes to build a Fijian society in which all people can reach their full human potential within a socially and ecologically just environment. Caritas Fiji’s mandate comes from the Church and is rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ—the Good News—and the rich heritage of Catholic Social Teaching. While these principles remain constant, our work responds to the signs of the times through the See, Judge, Act methodology.

Although Caritas Fiji is entering only its fifth year since establishment, we are proud to be part of an internationally and regionally recognised Caritas confederation—the second largest humanitarian network in the world—serving in more than 200 countries. With the generous support of our donors and partners, we are committed to delivering timely, inclusive humanitarian, justice, and development responses that promote a socially, economically, and ecologically balanced society.

In our journey, we uphold the aspirations of the Archbishop of Suva and work closely with local parishes across the Archdiocese of Suva, communities, civil society organisations, national and regional institutions, and committed individuals. Through this fraternal cooperation, we seek to build a balanced family that honours the dignity of every person and safeguards the integrity of the vanua, which we honour as our mother, and all creation as brothers and sisters.

Strategic Vision and Inclusivity

Our strategic goal is grounded in inclusivity—creating spaces for communal participation marked by honour, respect, and recognition of human dignity and the sacred. This vision calls for humility and empowering vulnerability as the foundation for cultural creativity, abundance, and community flourishing.

Metaphorically, it is a time when the vanua stands tall, allowing people to worship, travel, celebrate community, and live in relationship without fear. It is a Kairos moment—a decisive time to recover and strengthen the positive values of our communities and Fiji as a society, working towards balance and harmony:

E sa gauna donu me sau rabu na vanua ko Viti.

Our Vision Statement

Caritas Fiji, as the social arm of the Catholic Church, associates with the poor as the chosen people of God and works to build a community of solidarity and compassion, fostering a culture of love across all communities in Fiji.

Caritas Archdiocese of Suva commits to cultivating a socially and ecologically just society.

Catholic Identity & Values

Our Guiding Principles

Caritas Fiji’s work is grounded in the Gospel and the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church, with a central focus on the dignity of the human person. Our service to the poor is both an expression of charity and a commitment to empowerment—enabling people to become agents of their own liberation and development. We also affirm our responsibility to care for creation, in the spirit of Laudato Si’.

Dignity of the Human Person

The dignity of every human person is our foundational moral value. We reject approaches that reduce the poor to objects of pity. Instead, we uphold their role as subjects of their own development and agents of change, making God’s love for all creation visible in the world.

Option for the Poor

We stand with the poor and vulnerable, prioritising their voices, experiences, and leadership. Our work seeks justice that restores dignity and enables people to shape their own future.

Universal Destination of the Earth’s Goods

Any structure—economic, social, political, or cultural—that oppresses or prevents movement toward justice is sinful. Caritas Fiji works to transform unjust structures into life-giving social systems that favour equity and the common good.

Solidarity

Solidarity is more than sympathy; it is empathy expressed through firm and persevering commitment to the common good. Caritas Fiji seeks to foster genuine solidarity within our membership and in collaboration with civil society, NGOs, and global institutions.

Stewardship

Caritas Fiji is committed to solidarity with all of creation. We strive to act in environmentally sustainable ways, recognising the inseparable link between human dignity and care for the earth through an integral ecology.

Caritas Fiji Board

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

• Archbishop Peter Loy Chong – Caritas Fiji President
• Fr Ioane Sigarara – Caritas Fiji Vicar General
• Liliwaimanu Vuiyasawa – Lawyer and advocate for human rights and the elimination of gender-based violence, with expertise in governance, legal compliance, and advocacy across civil society and international development.
• Josephine Yee Joy – Executive leader with over 24 years of experience in the airline industry, specialising in finance, governance, and strategic management; currently serves as Director and Company Secretary on several commercial boards.
• Isake Komailevuka – Human Resources Management Consultant with extensive experience in the airline and tourism industry, focusing on people-centred policies and organisational development.
• Dr Frances Bingwor

Arthur Groom
Interim Executive Director
Email: executive.director@caritasfiji.com.fj

• Jean Mathias – DRR Coordinator
• Tevita Naiksowalu – WASH Officer

• Iosefo Tamani – Field Officer
• Frederick Sukhu – Finance Officer

Vilive Leba – Groundsman

Leba Tamari – Advocacy Coordinator