Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

The island is a special place for me. Since this my second visit this year, I can see the children are growing into such brilliant and capable people. I taught them to paint, some English, a little bit of French and we played games and talked a lot. They are funny, well-mannered, smart and interesting kids that looked after me from the minute I arrived.

Everyone on the island has taught me so much about the history of Fiji as we sat under the stars - always make me feel welcomed. Tima and Lemeki’s family had me for Sunday lunch which was special for me as I stayed with them last year. I was invited to a Methodist church celebration which was fascinating and moving. I got to go to cast away island and many other trips that Josh’s son took me on as that is in their generous nature. I also love the cheeky side of Fijian culture, the songs they sing always move me and saying goodbye is always hard. So we say until next time!

Great people, great food and the accommodation had everything we needed. It’s the people I go back for, nothing else ! Josh is an incredible host and I have always felt safe with him and wanted. His children and wife Lotte are fantastic and they make a great team.

It was great, the local team made sure that I had the best experience ever. While I was there, we experienced some huge flooding, so we helped the community recover from it, and it was a really strong experience.

I never thought before in front of the class, but I really enjoyed it; the children were adorable. The local team was really great !! Always nice and welcoming. The food was also really really good, and the accommodation was perfect.

The volunteering trip was truly amazing and eye-opening. Getting to know the local people and their culture really made this trip so significant for me. The volunteering work with the kids was amazing. Everything was well organized and I had so much fun being there and getting to help the teacher and the class. The local team were very helpful. They provided us with all the information on the local customs and traditions as well as what to expect from the visit. The food and accommodation were also very good. I was happy that I got to experience what it's like to live in a traditional Fijian home.

The volunteering was so much fun! The kids were super cute and loved to learn new things. The teachers at the school and the local guides at the accommodation help so much with for example translating or preparing the lessons. You also become so close with the other volunteers which is so much fun! I had the best time ever there! You also have so much free time after the teaching so you can explore the island!

The accommodation is located in Taling Ngam which is very local. The people there and the local team are so so kind and helpful. It is a little far though from all of the touristy things, however if you share the taxi costs with the other volunteers it's not that expensive anymore! The food was fine! We got food 3x a day during the week and on the weekends 2x. It was mostly rice and curry or vegetables however they did always make sure we had fruit which i loved!

It would be nice to maybe change up the food a little more, but other than that I am very satisfied with everything! The transportation to the school and the assistance we get is really good and the free transfer on the fridays was also really nice!

I volunteered to help look after some elephants on a sanctury . I’m 60 years old & was aware most volunteers would be much younger & I was right. The work was hard at times, especially with the heat, but the support & encouragement and advice I got was brilliant and I managed to complete my three weeks & do all jobs required. Hands on work with the elephants was fantastic. The local co-ordinating team were very helpful with all aspects. Accommodation & food was adequate and clean. Food wasn’t always to my liking but that’s just personal taste.