Because of the Marshall Islands’ secluded location in the central Pacific Ocean, it can be difficult to fully address the people’s needs. Cyclones, rising sea levels, and limited freshwater and food sources make efforts to bring relief a challenge. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is stepping in to make a difference.
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Groundbreaking for the Majuro Deaf Education Center multi-use athletic court takes place, July 2025. The new facility will provide a safe and structured environment for children with disabilities.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The Church donated biodegradable menstrual products for all girls in grade six and above, supplied vital sports equipment for physical education classes across the country, built a recreation court at the Majuro Deaf Education Center and collaborated with the Marshall Islands Red Cross to purchase a vehicle to deliver relief supplies. The Church also donated a new shipping container used to store emergency supplies in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands.
“What sets the Church apart is their genuine commitment to listening — truly listening — to our local voices and responding to our real, expressed needs without imposing outside agendas,” said Dr. Natalie Nimmer, commissioner of education for the Marshall Islands. “The support reflects deep respect for our communities and our priorities. This is [collaboration] at its best — rooted in mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, and shared hope for a brighter future for every Marshallese child.”
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“Small projects or large, when we have called upon the volunteers of your Church or your missionaries, they show up every time,” added Canvasback Wellness Center Regional Co-Director Rick Wiegel.
Canvasback Wellness Centre has supported several humanitarian programs in the Marshall Islands over the last 18 years.
Wiegel continued, “So many times, nongovernment organizations venture into these areas and build something, then leave, only to discover a year or two later the project was abandoned. The Church has given us a travel and accommodation budget to travel to the outer island atolls to ensure the longevity of our projects.”
Such long-term projects include aeroponic tower gardens and solar power systems that keep the automated irrigation system running. These gardens require no soil, use 98% less water than traditional gardens, and produce vegetables that ensure food security in a place where fresh produce is very expensive and scarce.
“Not only have we completed and are able to maintain these projects with the help of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Wiegel continued, “we’ve also made many great friends along the way.”