A haven for new beginnings

Homes of Hope is a restorative care shelter and training facility for survivors of all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. Our partner gives survivors as young as 11 years old a fresh start. It’s a safe place to recover with the help of counsellors, social workers and a community of women who have been through similar experiences. 

At Homes of Hope, women and girls partake in activities like art and movement therapy, which are proven to help people find emotional healing. The residents also learn valuable life skills like sewing, baking, cooking, housekeeping, farming and agriculture.  

Once they're ready to rebuild their livelihoods and safety nets are in place in villages and homes, the women and girls reintegrate into the community. Some decide to study at university, others find jobs, and some start their own small businesses or return home. 

Over 1,000 women have gone through the programme since it began.

Adi’s* story

*Mentions sexual abuse.

Adi* is one of those women. She was just 14 when her innocence was tragically taken from her. 
I was waiting at the bus stop when I was kidnapped by two drunk men. I was pulled into a truck, and they covered my mouth so I couldn’t scream.

The men took her to a forestry area and sexually abused her.  

I came home and never spoke of the moment to my siblings or Mum. I was brought into Homes of Hope in 2020 and stayed for three years. I received emotional support and help to get through the trauma I had been through. The counselling built my confidence and taught me how to express my emotions. 

I saw a lot of changes in myself during my time. I was strengthened emotionally and physically. We did self-defense classes online. I also learnt basic life skills like sewing, farming, baking and cooking. Homes of Hope supported me throughout school.  

I cannot find the words to express how grateful I am. Homes of Hope for me is a second home. This is a home that I will never forget. They had my back, and they still do. They made me who I am today. I cannot change the past, I’ve learned to live with it, and I feel excited for the future. 

Influence at a government level

Homes of Hope has released an awareness toolkit to churches, government departments and other nonprofits to shine a spotlight on this issue. Last year Tearfund staff heard about Homes of Hope's national impact when they met with government officials and other NGO leaders. Here are some of the things they heard. 

“The government lacked awareness of human trafficking before Homes of Hope highlighted the issue.”  
- Rosi, Fiji Immigration Compliance Investigation Officer 

“I used to think the government wasn’t interested in this issue, but now it’s top of their agenda.” 
- Rev Simione, Fiji Council for Churches 

“Homes of Hope’s model is one of the most successful ones across the Pacific.”
- Veniana, International Organisation for Migration (IOM)

Key government stakeholders and NGOs are forming a united front. Awareness is growing, the issue is front of mind at government level, and more cases are being brought to court. This is because Homes of Hope did the groundwork. They built a solid foundation and reputation in Fiji, gathered influential stakeholders and highlighted the issue of human trafficking. Homes of Hope knew they could not fight this alone. Now, with the support of community leaders in Fiji, and our dedicated supporters they can create long-lasting change.