As we approached the village of Levukaidaku on the island of Matuku in Lau, the striking red roof of the new church under construction was hard to miss. Villagers welcomed us, sharing that the church is a symbol of resilience and communal strength. The sounds of carpentry and the harmonious hum of villagers working together filled the air, showcasing the Fijian tradition of solesolevaki—community labor for the common good.
For two years, the old church, which was destroyed by Cyclone Harold in 2016, stood as a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by the storm. The cyclone had torn off its roof and left the structure severely damaged. Now, however, the spirit of the Levukaidaku people shines brightly through their efforts to rebuild, driven by their collective will and without external aid or assistance. Village elder Joeli Vakayatu proudly declared, “The church rising before you today is purely because of the efforts and from the hands of the Levukaidaku people.”
The reconstruction process has been a true labor of love, primarily led by the youth of the village. Indeed, materials such as timber, cement, and corrugated iron sheets were manually transported from the jetty, echoing the tenacity and resourcefulness of the young men of Levukaidaku. Even the foundation of the old church was painstakingly dismantled by hand.
With the old church still partially visible within the new structure, Vakayatu noted, “It reminds us of where we came from.” The rebuilding of the church has brought the community together, including those who live in Suva, with fundraising initiatives like Levukaidaku Day, which raised over $130,000 to further the construction efforts. Taito Coriakula, a committee member in Suva, expressed hope, stating, “We may be a young committee, but through togetherness and love, we’ve been able to carry out our roles.”
This project represents more than just a physical structure. It embodies the core values of the community, and villagers emphasize the profound role of youth in shaping the future. Coriakula articulated a vision to combat social challenges, saying, “We don’t want them to be lost to drugs or crime. Here, they are safe, productive, and proud of who they are.”
Furthermore, the committee is focusing on bringing back young individuals from Suva to reconnect with their roots, fostering a sense of belonging while creating opportunities for them at home. However, challenges remain, including the urgent need to revive the nursing station, which currently lacks staff, forcing those in need to travel over an hour for medical assistance.
Despite these hurdles, there is a prevailing optimism among the villagers. The completion of the new church is anticipated by the end of the year or early 2026, marking a milestone for the community. The building itself has become a symbol of hope and unity, with Vakayatu reminding us that the hands that constructed the church are the same ones that will build their future.
As the waves crashed against the reef’s edge and a sense of purpose resonated within the community, it was evident that their combined efforts were bringing forth meaningful change. The journey of Levukaidaku illustrates how collective action and the shared values of a community can overcome adversity, creating seeds of hope for a brighter future.
Leave a comment