Community First: PAYA Solomon Islands Members Lead Cyclone Relief Efforts

On Saturday 25th April, members of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) in Solomon Islands came together with a shared purpose: to support communities affected by Cyclone Maila.

This initiative followed a meeting held on Saturday 18 April at the HCC Youth Hub in Honiara, where members discussed how they could contribute meaningfully to ongoing relief efforts. Rather than focusing on financial donations, the group agreed on a practical, community-driven approach, collecting essential household items, food, and everyday supplies for those most impacted.

Over the following week, members mobilised their networks, reaching out to families, friends and local communities. What began as a conversation quickly turned into coordinated action.

By the following Saturday, members reconvened at the HCC Youth Hub Conference Room to sort and organise the collected items. The donations reflected the generosity of the PAYA community and included clothing for adults, children and babies, food and water supplies, kitchen utensils and essential non-food items such as soap and washing powder.

All items were carefully divided into equal shares to support two affected communities: Simbo and the Shortland Islands. Working closely with local community associations in Honiara, members ensured the distribution process was both efficient and respectful. The Simbo community collected their share directly from the HCC Youth Hub, while the Shortland Islands group received their allocation through a handover at the National Museum.

PAYA Solomon Islands members demonstrated strong local leadership, coordination and a clear commitment to supporting their communities in a practical way. It is a reflection of youth leadership grounded in action, responsive, organised and community-focused.

The initial meeting on Saturday 18th April also provided an opportunity for members to align on priorities for 2026 and strengthen coordination across the PAYA Solomon Islands network. As PAYA continues to grow across the Pacific, initiatives like this highlight the strength of local chapters to respond quickly and meaningfully to real challenges.

PAYA welcomes support from individuals and partners who wish to contribute to ongoing community initiatives across the Pacific.