Volunteer Programs in Fiji

Fiji has recently become a popular travel destination, due to its beautiful 332 islands surrounded by volcanic mountains and tropical waters. The archipelago is full of lush rainforests, serene beaches, and coconut plantations. However, there is a lot more going on in Fiji beyond the beautiful scenery. According to the World Bank, 31% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2009. The Fijian population faces problems such as limited opportunities for education and recreation, and unemployment.

Today, the Fijian government has been working hard to provide sufficient healthcare, education, and opportunities for all. Volunteers in Fiji can help in many ways to improve the quality of life.

Working with Children

Because of the limited opportunities for youth in Fiji, many grow up to be unemployed. While volunteering in Fiji, there are many ways to contribute to solving this problem. Volunteers can find work at orphanages, schools, sports programs, special needs centers, and many other places. Volunteers will be working closing with children, and will need to be able to take initiative. Many youth centers in Fiji are under resourced. It will be up to volunteers to be creative and have fun with the children.

Marine Conservation

Volunteers will get to explore the pristine tropical waters of Fiji, and help conduct research that will provide long-term benefits for the local communities. The data volunteers will collect helps create Marine Protected Areas, and sets up a system of training and teaching to guarantee plenty of food for the population. Volunteer opportunities in Fiji are perfect for those interested in marine life. There are also opportunities for veterinary and animal care.

Healthcare

Depending on your medical experience, there are many volunteer positions in Fiji those interested in hands-on work. You will be working with medical and healthcare professionals on a variety of different tasks at medical organizations or charities. There are opportunities to shadow doctors and nurses, assisting with screening programs, raising local awareness, delivering safety and first aid training, or providing care at elderly homes. No matter what kind of experience you would like to get out of your time in Fiji, you will have an eye-opening time.

Volunteer Support

Before you leave, be sure to check out online communities of returning Fiji volunteers such as Friends of Fiji. Once you arrive in Fiji, you can find more help and resources at the recently established Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) National Volunteer Center.

NGOs in Fiji

Many NGOs have been set up in Fiji in the past few years, proving beneficial to local communities. The NGOs in Fiji come in a wide variety of sizes; grassroots, corporate, and national bodies. For a full list of current NGOs, refer to the most recent Directory of Developmental Organizations.

How to Save Money While Volunteering

Because Fiji is a top tourist destination, it is easy to spend a lot of money. However, if you stay away from tourist traps and find cheap accommodation, you will be able to save quite a lot of money. You should also try not to eat out for every meal. If you follow simple money saving tips, you should be able to go on about US$35 to $50 per day.

Questions to Ask

Will I be working in a rural or urban area? Will I need to travel between islands? Will I need to know Fijian?

In general, health is not a top concern of travelers in Fiji. Vaccinations recommended for before you go abroad are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus-diphtheria. The most common ailment among travelers to Fiji is traveler’s diarrhea. Volunteers should take food and drink precautions. Furthermore, make sure you visit your personal physician 4 to 8 weeks before departure.

Recently, Fiji has experienced some political turmoil due to a military coup in 2006. Volunteers should be aware of restrictions placed on the freedom of speech, freedom of the media, and freedom of assembly. It may be wise to refrain from joining in political rallies or any political discussions in general. Urban areas are more prone to crime than rural areas. In general, visitors should protect their valuables and stick in groups when walking around.