Twenty-two young men and women have graduated from the first three-month HFHV building-skills apprenticeship. The program is designed to help unemployed young people, and is part of the organisation's drive to promote certification in key skill areas of the construction industry.

HFHV has introduced a new, cost effective and durable roofing solution to Vanuatu. These concrete tiles can be made by the homeowners themselves, last longer than steel roofs, are cooler in summer and earthquake and cyclone resistant.

The first HFHV Youth Build project in Siviri village marks the start of a new partnership between HFHV and Youth Challenge International. Involving 43 young volunteers, the project is raising awareness about poverty housing, and teaches practical skills they can use in the future.

The Siviri Save and Build project has been developed on a participatory model, in which the community takes responsibility for the management for a construction project. The model is self-funding and sustainable, and will be used as an example for other rural villages.

HFHV has completed three construction projects as part of an innovative program with VANWODS Microfinance Savings. Participants are able to borrow funds to build or improve their homes in stages, each loan being repaid before work on a another phase can begin.