Volunteer in Fiji with a Non-Profit. Unique Programs!

What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked in. We were also so lucky to have such an amazing group of women from many different backgrounds; definitely some lifelong friends made from this experience and their hard work and comradery made the trip all the more special. International nutrition is a field I've been interested in working in for 4 years now, and I feel that this trip has increased my skills, my knowledge base and my drive to continue with this work.

I would highly recommend doing this trip for the experience, the beautiful people of Fiji, the memories, the lifelong friends and the opportunity to spend time out of your comfort zone and build a stronger you.

There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family.

The people we visited in Moala, Yako and Korovuto were so welcoming and grateful to receive health checks. Visiting people in their homes and in the community halls within the villages, it was evident culture and family are so important. The women that live in these villages are the centre to their families, they care for their families and sometimes this can impact negatively on their health. It is important that we conducted health checks on these women because it provides an opportunity for them to make lifestyle changes that will improve their health so they can be healthy for longer and care for their families. There are local champiosn within each of the communities which provides a sense of hope that they will influence others within the community to take care of their health and make healthier food choices.

One observation I found interesting was the traditional Fijian diet eaten in the villages. The food was not particuarly unhealthy, however the addition of flour, sugar and simple carbohydrates (e.g. rice and casava) in very large amounts eaten on a daily basis is contributing towards high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. Changes take time, and by community members making small changes to their diet blood pressure and blood sugar levels will improve.

This trip was challenging, rewarding, overwhelming, amazing and so enjoyable. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue work in global health and the pacific islands, and I hope one day I will be back to reconnect with the beautiful people I met on this trip :)

The food provided on the trip was great, however one recommendation would be to include more protein in each of the meals so volunteers feel satisfied throughout the day.
The accomodation was lovely and was nice to be able to share with other team members because this allowed us to get to know one another and share stories and debrief about our day doing health health checks in the villages.

We enjoyed our volunteering experience in Fiji and loved interacting with the warm and welcoming Fijian people. Masi and Mare were great hosts and made our stay as comfortable as possible. It was also nice to meet and enjoy the company of Chris and Ruby and hear of their experiences each day. Sampreeti loved her experience of volunteering in the kindergarten as well as accompanying us on the health checks door to door for those who were too disabled to attend clinics in person.

We also went to a special needs school (Sunshine School) one day with one of the chief guests who was attending a function at the kindergarten. I donated my bp instrument to the health visitor Aseni and hope it will help her monitor the health of her community through discussion with her local medical personnel. Sampreeti also donated a small amount of stationary supplies to the school for the little students. The school and the Lovu Hart Community were very kind welcoming. I gave a small health talk and watched Aseni deliver a talk to the children and parents on health issues. I enjoyed working with Aseni who was a diligent and caring health visitor. We will carry happy memories of our visit to Fiji. Thank you.

Thanks, once again,
Dr Susmita & Sampreeti

I went over there to volunteer with those who needed it most but came back only to realise that it was me who needed to volunteer!!! I made so many friends and lasting connections but more than that I discovered how amazing and quite selfish it is to volunteer due to the amount of joy, fulfilment and love I recieved.

My favourite quote that relates to this trip is that there is only one happiness in life - to love and be loved and that has never felt so real

The kids were the cutest humans ever and being able to work closely with them was so moving! I was situated in a little village town called Yandua where there was only 9 kids in my Kindergarten! The teacher was also the sweetest human ever!

My highlight of the trip would have to be the friendships created across the world and the topic of the table which was travel! I learnt so many new phrases from different languages and I also caught as many of them called it the travel bug which has now made me want to travel to so many parts of the volunteer and volunteer with such an amazing organisation!!!

This was the most fulfilling and rewarding volunteer experience ever and I’m so grateful to have embarked on this journey until next time VINAKA (thank you in Fijian)

The local team were the most beautiful humans I’ve ever met they were so accomodating, caring and they had everything well planned out! More than they were cooking, cleaning and organising they were our friends and I thought that was super special They ensured that we felt loved, valued and accepted as well as immersing ourselves in Fijian culture and experiences! The food was the perfect mix of Western Style and Traditional Fijian dishes and the accomodation was super lovely … I was lucky enough to stay in a hotel called Casablanca which was super nice and the staff their were lovely. No improvements needed this was an amazing experience!!!

Volunteering in Fiji was truly a life-changing experience. It was so fulfilling to interact and connect with the youth in the villages and schools. I enjoyed teaching the children how to wash their hands and brush their teeth in the schools. The kids were so eager to learn and they couldn't stop smiling and hugging myself and the other volunteers. It was touching to see how happy the people of Fiji are, even though they do not have a lot of money, the community is super tight and connected.

The local team was extremely welcoming and friendly. It was very easy to contact them if you needed anything. Transportation always arrived on time. The food was delicious and included some traditional Fijian cuisine. The accommodation was close to nearby hotels, restaurants, shopping and beaches!

For part of my trip I was able to enter the sports program since the hours didn't conflict with health education. It would have been nice to do both for the entire trip. So maybe during registration, it could offer to add programs at your specific site.

Volunteering in Fiji was truly a life-changing experience. It was so fulfilling to interact and connect with the youth in the villages and schools. I enjoyed teaching the children how to wash their hands and brush their teeth in the schools. The kids were so eager to learn and they couldn't stop smiling and hugging myself and the other volunteers. It was touching to see how happy the people of Fiji are, even though they do not have a lot of money, the community is super tight and connected.

The local team was extremely welcoming and friendly. It was very easy to contact them if you needed anything. Transportation always arrived on time. The food was delicious and included some traditional Fijian cuisine. The accommodation was close to nearby hotels, restaurants, shopping and beaches!

For part of my trip I was able to enter the sports program since the hours didn't conflict with health education. It would have been nice to do both for the entire trip. So maybe during registration, it could offer to add programs at your specific site.

My Fiji volunteering trip was the most incredible experience of my life. It sounds overdramatic to describe it like this but the combination of the people and the program was amazing. I met beautiful people and shared the best experiences - we've already planned trips to see each other after the program!

About the team and volunteer house...The local team in Fiiji were beautiful people. They made sure we were comfortable and well fed. The accommodation was kept clean and tidy. A plumbing issue was dealt with quickly.

I can’t express enough how much Meki, Tima and Paulina took care of me. They would even fan me when I was eating and if I was lying on the front deck (anywhere I was actually if they thought it was needed😆) I’ve never been fanned before😆

Sitting up the head of the table being fanned and continually fed was definitely a new experience! I felt like Queen Joey😆
They also prepared me the most beautiful bedroom.

I have arranged to visit Meki and his beautiful family again in October. Also a lovely lady Karalaini from the one of the hotels I stayed in has asked me to her parents village while I’m there. I’m very excited to be seeing everyone! I’ll also get to see the ladies at the women’s commune as Karalaini’s Grandma lives there.

This is Karalaini I met at a hotel I stayed in. She is the lady taking me to her village. There’s always a positive if I hadn’t stayed in hotels at times I wouldn’t of met her:) I truly had the best time thank you.

I just absolutely love volunteering☀️ Thank you also for always getting back to me Lauren explaining everything to me and helping me every step of the way,

x Jo