CARE International’s history in Tonga
CARE has been working in Tonga since 2017 to help communities prepare for natural disasters and cope with the growing impacts of climate change.
Tonga’s islands are often affected by cyclones, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and rising sea levels. For nearly a decade, CARE has worked with partners including Live and Learn, MORDI Tonga Trust, and Talitha Project to help communities prepare for emergencies and recover when disasters occur.
CARE and partners’ work in Tonga today
CARE works with local organizations across Tonga to fight poverty, with a focus on helping communities prepare for disasters and supporting girls with education and professional skills. Our work focuses on:
Climate
Climate change is making storms stronger and weather less predictable across the Pacific. CARE works with communities to adapt by protecting natural resources, improving disaster planning, and helping families strengthen their livelihoods.
Crisis response
CARE supports communities affected by disasters by working with local partners to provide emergency assistance and help families recover.
In January 2022, the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai underwater volcano erupted, triggering a tsunami that affected communities across the country. The disaster damaged homes, crops, and infrastructure on Tongatapu and nearby islands.
CARE and our partners, including MORDI Tonga Trust and Talitha Project, helped distribute shelter materials, clean water, and dignity kits for women and girls. Emergency supplies were also stored so communities can respond more quickly to future disasters.
Making the economy work for women and girls
CARE works with local partners to help people strengthen their livelihoods. Programs support young people and communities to build financial skills, start savings groups, and create small businesses that help families earn a stable income.
CARE works closely with local organizations and community leaders to ensure programs reflect the needs and priorities of Tongan communities.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in Tonga.
CARE partners with Talitha Project to support adolescent girls through the Tonga Young Women’s Economic Resilience (TYWER) program. The program helps young women build financial skills, confidence, and opportunities to earn an income.
TYWER adapts CARE’s Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model for adolescent girls. Through the program, girls take part in life skills training, learn about saving and budgeting, and receive support to start small income-generating activities.
Initiatives such as sewing hubs and savings groups help girls develop practical skills while contributing to their families’ incomes and their communities’ wellbeing.
By supporting the leadership and financial independence of young women, CARE and our partners are helping strengthen communities across Tonga.
For recent updates on CARE’s work in Tonga, see here.
