Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lautoka took time off to conduct a clean-up of the Lautoka Special School following recent flooding.
The home, which supports children with disabilities, had requested assistance to clear debris and prepare the school to safely reopen.
In response, missionaries from the Lautoka District, along with young single adult members from the local congregation, volunteered to assist.
President of the Fiji Lautoka Stake, Adrian Yee, says they are grateful for the opportunity to serve and support their community at this important time.
He says their members and missionaries are eager to help, especially when it means enabling children to return safely to school.
The Church says the clean-up effort was coordinated in collaboration with its humanitarian missionaries in Fiji, with tools and supplies made available through local emergency response resources.
School closures caused by flooding are expected to ease as conditions improve, with many schools in the area planning to resume classes in the coming days.
Following flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, local Church leaders worked closely with humanitarian missionaries and emergency response coordinators to assess the impact on members, missionaries, and community facilities.
While no damage was reported to Church meeting houses and all missionaries were accounted for and safe, several community facilities were affected by flooding and debris.
Elder John R. Higgins, an Area Seventy for the Pacific Area, expressed appreciation for the swift response of local leaders and volunteers.
He says this is a wonderful example of how the Church works hand-in-hand with communities and trusted partners to provide timely, practical help.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a longstanding commitment to humanitarian service in Fiji and throughout the Pacific, often partnering with local leaders and organisations following natural disasters.
As recovery efforts continue, Church leaders remain in close contact with government authorities and community partners to monitor needs and provide assistance where appropriate.
