Volunteering Projects in the Fiji Islands with Think Pacific

Being part of a Youth Empowerment program with Think Pacific, I had the privilege of getting to stay with a Fijian family in a rural village for a month, mimicking their way of life by living in their house, eating their food and being a part of their family. Whilst on project, our days would be split into two main parts. Workshops, in which we would collaborate in groups with youth from the village to discuss differing topics such as climate change, mental health, and leadership. By prioritising teamwork to find issues and solutions to whatever challenges we were tasked with, I learnt more about the topics we were discussing as well as several skills relating to group work. On certain days we also ran our own workshops which greatly improved my confidence, both in public speaking and being able to create and run a session. In the afternoons we would do an extremely insightful culture course, in which we got to understand different aspects of Fijian culture. From how they cook their traditional dish, Lovo, to how they weave beautiful Fijian carpets and bracelets out of grass. However, my favourite days were Saturdays when we would have trips outside our village. My highlight being the Nabalasere waterfall, at 230ft it's the tallest in Fiji so I had to include a picture of me sitting in front of it! Even though I got to see so many amazing things, my favourite part of the whole experience was meeting friends for life, both other volunteers and villagers. So if you're considering doing a Summer school then get out of your comfort zone and do it! If it's anything like my experience you'll have the time of your life!

This project was such an incredible experience- genuinely the summer of a lifetime. The sense of community in the village is something I feel so grateful to have had the privilege of seeing first hand and moreover being welcomed into. The workshops resulted in a visible impact within the youth in terms of their confidence and understanding of certain topics which was such a lovely thing to witness and to have felt in some way responsible for. There’s no culutural immersion opportunities like it!

One of the best summers:

I completed the youth empowerment project with Think Pacific which is a month long. You stay with a Fijian family in a rural village and feel so welcomed. Every day you take part in culture workshops such as weaving. In the mornings you are completing workshops with the Fijian youth on matters such as public health, mental health and business. On the weekends you explore beyond the village where we got the chance to go to an amazing waterfall! All in all a great experience!

This truly was the best month of my life. Getting to fully immerse myself in the Fiji in life was unbelievably beautiful. I made connections with people that I will never forget. I learned so much about myself so much about the world and so much about this beautiful culture. Think Pacific really made it possible for us to be involved be safe and have fun all at the same time. I greatly appreciate Think Pacific. I was also able to work on my specific degree. I grew my portfolio and in the end think Pacific helped me to get into my program in school.

Had such an amazing time. During the trip we lived with a traditional Fijian family who cooked and provided a house for us and who ended up like a second family. We coached a variety of sport to the youth in our village (aged 18-35). Played netball matches against other villages. Took part in a culture course which included learning Fijian, making traditional Fijian foods and making tradition Fijian items such as kava bowls, weaving fans and weaving kava bowl holders. Also went to another village to coach which was so fun. Leaders were amazing and so so supportive. Can’t wait to go back to Fiji and see all my family again!

The most challenging but rewarding month of my life!!! I’ve never felt so immersed in a culture, and supported throughout. A very unique and incredible experience. The village was stunning, both with the nature and the people. The workshops were very fun and the weekend excursions were all different and interesting.

Think Pacific base their projects through advice and support from the Fiji Government and allow the village to directly implement, so I really felt like I was making an impact. Vinaka!

Think pacific did an amazing job. I don’t know of any other non profit that quite does what they do.

My favorite part was how immersive it was. I loved being in there with the community. I was able to learn and grow so much and I know they were impacted much more because of that. I felt the topics we taught and discuss we really beneficial to the youth in Fiji and impacted them for the better. I was able to see many improvements in the month we were there because of the things think pacific taught.

Thank pacific changed my life and perspective for the better. This is something I would definitely encourage others to do as well.

This has truly been a once in a lifetime experience and something I will remember for the rest of my life. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet like minded people and immerse yourself in the Fijian culture. The Think Pacific team makes the entire experience seamless from pre-departure checklists to once we arrive in Fiji. Being able to facilitate the workshops and work with local youths was so rewarding and being able to appreciate their way of life helps to put things into perspective when you start to slow down