After powerful cyclones damaged homes across remote islands, CARE Vanuatu supported local communities to rebuild using practical training, local materials and simple tools so they better withstand extreme weather.
Women’s leadership was central from the start. Through the Finding Your Voice programme, women took up new roles in decision-making, gained practical skills such as chainsaw operation, and worked alongside men to better understand and challenge inequality. This created safer homes and stronger, more inclusive communities.
Although CARE Vanuatu was not directly involved in the actual reconstruction of destroyed houses, its innovative approach maximised the use of very limited funds and was adapted to overcome the challenges of working in isolated places where transport is limited and specialised supplies are hard to find.
To co-ordinate rebuilding, Shelter Focal Points were created where volunteers learned practical, easy-to-apply principles for safer construction, including good site selection, stronger connections and improved bracing. By providing essential tools and training rather than directing the rebuilding itself, the project supported communities to lead their own recovery and make long-lasting improvements.
During the 14 months of the intervention, CARE Vanuatu trained 139 people (87 men and 52 women) in the Build-Back-Safer approach and provided household shelter kits to 1,700 households (8,900 people).
Plans are now in motion to adapt the Build Back Safer model to other regions and cultures. The project shows how local knowledge, practical skills and empowered leadership — especially from women — can help communities face the climate crisis with resilience and dignity.
