Volunteering Projects in the Fiji Islands with Think Pacific

I had a great time this summer in Fiji on Think Pacific’s sports development project. I made some amazing friends with both volunteers and local youth and I will definitely be going back. The sports development project puts you in situations where you can really develop confidence and leadership skills. My favourite part was my family, whom I still keep in contact with. It’s so interesting learning about their culture and traditions and is a real eye opener when comparing the world we live in. I miss them lots.

If you're in doubt of doing a Think Pacific project - just do it!
I can hand on heart say it was the best experience of my life, from start to finish.
Firstly, Fiji is the most beautiful country, with the most beautiful people and culture. Being able to live in a Fijian village with a Fijian family for 3 weeks was a real privilege, and an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. As much as my team and I were delivering workshops to the village youth, we learned just as much from them as they did from us through the villagers teaching us about their culture.
Our weekend activities were exceptional, such being able to explore the surrounding areas, hikes and swimming in waterfalls. This is perfect for anybody who has an adventurous nature!
We also did regular sports activities and night time activities, such as games, talent shows and going to watch the horse racing in another village. Our days were packed full of fun and laughter!
You make friends for life and grow so much from the experience, both professionally and personally.
I am so lucky to have a second home and family in Fiji and I cannot wait to return one day!

I loved this experience because it is rare that you are invited into a community like this. The love that you are automatically shown just by being there is incredible and so inviting. Despite some challenges, I would recommend anyone to take part in these projects. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for sure. On the Saturday excursions, you’ll be taken somewhere amazing that you would never get at home. The food is amazing - my personal favourite are the steamed buns for breakfast and t’s also a bonus that it was absolutely beautiful village.

One of the best decisions I have ever made was going on this trip: for 3 weeks I stayed with a family in a Fijian village, this was an amazing experience being totally immersed in their culture with many different customs and foods compared to home. It was eye opening being able to see how this different way of life and be treated as their family. We saw some amazing sights around the village in our free time, the youth took us up a mountain, to a waterfall and to the beach.
The project was great getting the chance to work with the 18-35 year olds in daily workshops and delivering structured sports sessions. It was really rewarding trying to create a more structured plan and overtime seeing it become more accepted in the village, this was made evident by their continued structured sports sessions after we left.

I completed the Sports Development Program with Think Pacific from June 19th to July 16th in Naboutolu, Fiji. As part of this experience, I lived in a rural Fijian village with a host family for three weeks.

During these three weeks, I collaborated with Fijian youth (18-35 year olds) to deliver sporting workshops to rural village youth and planned and delivered a sports coaching session to a local demographic. This project also involved learning about Fijian culture through courses, including weaving, making bilos, and performing the traditional Fijian dance, the meke. Additionally, I taught the village a variety of sports and helped them create structure within their games.

I have learned to be more culturally aware and understanding of others. I immersed myself in a new culture and loved learning about a different way of life. Seeing people happy with what they have is inspiring, and I aim to continue embracing this perspective now that I am back home. I highly recommend volunteering to anyone, as it opens your mind and helps you discover new things about yourself and the world. This project taught me that I am more resilient than I thought, and I am a better person because of it.

My highlights included:
1. Leading the first sports workshop in the village alongside another volunteer and two Fijian youth.
2. Playing and winning netball matches with my village against other local teams at the county sports ground.
3. Leading a Zumba workshop for women over 35 in the village to encourage the elders to be more active.
4. Climbing a mountain despite being incredibly ill.
5. Getting to know everyone in my village.

My time spent in a rural village in Fiji with Think Pacific was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Immersed in the local culture, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the community in meaningful ways, from helping with education projects to assisting in daily village life. It was deeply fulfilling to know I was making a positive impact while learning so much about the Fijian way of life. I also made loads of new connections, both with fellow volunteers and the wonderful locals, creating friendships that will last long after the project ended. The experience was not only enriching but has left a lasting impression on me.

Volunteering in Fiji was one of the best things I’ve ever done . Think pacific provides you with the opportunity to truly immerse yourself into Fijian life and the local culture.By living with a family in a rural village you are able to learn so much about the traditions and the language and what a genuine day to day life is like . I learnt so much from the Fijian people in my time in Fiji , memories and lessons and friendships I’ll never forgot . Volunteering in Fiji has changed my outlook and attitudes in my every day life and reminded me just how important the simple things like laughter and friendship are ❤️

The month I spent in Fiji was one of the best experiences of my life. Being able to contribute to a rural community was most definitely rewarding, but also hugely eye opening. The core goal was to provide empowerment and workshops for the youth group in the village, whilst learning about various aspects of their culture through activities and discussions. The connections formed with my host family and the village as a whole will be held close to my heart for the rest of my life, and I would most definitely recommend a Think Pacific project to anyone.