Fiji is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, and is home to a large Indigenous population. Despite having suffered under the yoke of British colonialism and the devastation of the Atlantic slave trade, the Republic of Fiji gained independence in 1970 and now boasts one of the most developed economies in Oceania. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a number of natural disasters and negative effects from foreign conflicts, has placed an unprecedented strain on the country’s economy. Many schools currently lack the necessary funding to build, maintain, and improve their infrastructure. Volunteers will work alongside local project coordinators to complete various tasks, including painting, demolition, landscaping, repair and cleaning. After arriving in Sigatoka, volunteers will attend a one-day orientation, during which they will learn about the volunteer program, the culture and history of Fiji, and rules and regulations, as well as meet the other volunteers. Alternatively, volunteers can participate in “Introduction Week” and spend their first week participating in a variety of activities and traveling around Fiji. While the weekdays will be spent participating in various projects, volunteers are free to spend the weekends exploring the island’s beaches and rainforests or participating in other organized activities. Volunteers will live in dormitory-style houses near the communities where their projects are located, and will enjoy traditional Fijian cuisine during their stay.
This trip is a minimum 1-week and maximum of 10-week with one week costing $585. The trip is led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.