The smiling faces of children in Vanuabalavu are warming the hearts of the crew of the HMNZS Canterbury.

HMNZS Canterbury Commanding Officer Commander Simon Rooke said despite the devastation on the island of Vanuabalavu the smiles from the children of the island was touching and warming their hearts.

“It’s a tremendous feeling to see children smiling despite their lives being devastated by the monster cyclone Winston.

“It really touches me to see these children because I also have children back at home and I am happy by the way they approach us when we are ashore; the hospitality and respect from these children is just incomparable.

Commander Rooke said they had felt at home after seeing the children’s smile.

“We could see that these children are resilient and you just feel at home having them around; sometimes they would walk up to us and welcome us into their homes; despite the situation they are in they still manage to invite us to their homes.

“What we can see in them is that they are content with the little things they have and to be part of their lives is just a joyous feeling,” he said.

Commander Rooke said their work was expected to be done by mid-April.

“It’s fantastic to see the smiling faces of Fijians and we will try our best to help them back on their feet.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj