Hydroponic Garden Food Security
Coordinator | Lauren
Coordinator | Lauren
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Assist IVI in this world first initiative to sow seeds of health, community, creativity, business opportunity and food sustainability for developing communities in Fiji.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 17+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Background Information
Hydroponic gardening can produce up to 9 times the yield of standard gardening while using 85% less water!
This technology can truly change lives in impoverished communities providing food security and new sources of income.
IVI are donating a state of the art 1000 plant Hydroponic Vertical Farm to an impoverished community in Fiji. We need help from volunteers to set-up and maintain the farm as well as funding to help support micro-business opportunities for the woman of the commune. These communities consist of some of the most vulnerable populations in the region with food security and financial hardship a daily struggle.
GET INVOLVED – APPLY NOW!
Project AimsWe will help end the cycle of poverty in this region by helping to solve the following issues:
1) Lack of sufficient land for conventional farming
2) Lack of access to the water needed for conventional farming
3) Severe economic hardship & reliance on government funding to provide basic food requirements
4) Lack of access to fresh vegetables and lack of diet variation contributing to malnutrition, obesity and non-communicable disease.
5) Lack of purpose and community connection exacerbating social issues
The project takes place in a housing commission with 124 flats that are rented out for $5FJD p/week to women and children. Many of the woman sheltering here are escaping domestic violence, or unemployment due to injury, disability, childcare commitments, old age and other social factors. These people are greatly affected by illness, scarcity and depression. The little support provided by the government is quickly spent on food, thus food security is the single biggest issue facing these communities.
The hydroponic gardens provide a low cost, sustainable strategy increasing dietary diversity and the introduction of micro nutrient rich foods. The benefit of hydroponic versus soil based systems is profound, requiring up to 85% less water & producing up to 900% higher yields per square meter of space.
Typical day
Role of the volunteer
Project Tasks
Your role will be to help support the daily running of the hydroponic farm including the services necessary to enable the local woman to sell the produce at the local markets for economic opportunity. You will be working alongside the commune residents and administration staff. You do not need to bring any special equipment and volunteers with experience in gardening or interest are preferred.
Establishing hydroponic vertical gardening systems within community housing Fiji will involve the following but not limited to;
- Hydroponic system research and development
- Local hydroponic supply sourcing agreements
- Land and water management
- Construction of facility
- Assistance with handling of hydroponic merchandise
- Installation of hydroponic systems
- Training for the local community
- Establishing a product support & maintenance process
- Establishing operational funding agreements
- Establishing a community distribution agreement
- Benefits realization plan and monitoring
- Public relations campaigning
- Local business opportunity coaching and training
- On-going care and maintenance of the facility
Free-time activities
You are located close to Nadi (20 min) which is the gateway to the islands for island hoping and water actitives or to the coral coast for beach and adventure tourism options.
Water Sports
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.
You need to speak English (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:30
- 12:30
What's Included
- Above prices includes all program and application fees
- The Application Fee is included in the above fees and is a one off fee per volunteer and covers multiple placements and countries at the time of booking. This fee covers all the administration such as inspection costs, marketing, and overheads to ensure a safe, high quality and unforgettable experience for every single volunteer abroad.
- The Program Fee goes straight to our in country management teams to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation and meals, in-country 24/7 volunteer support, project donations and related administration costs such as local permits etc. This ensures that our presence as volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact to the local people.
Arrivals on weekends are preferred, however we are flexible with alternative dates where necessary.
Enjoy living like a Fiji local. You’ll have your own single or twin share room staying with another volunteer within private, clean and safe western style homes. You will have a place to store your personal belongings, a private bathroom and toilet (where possible – not all placements include this), a fan and single mattress or double/queen if sharing with your partner. Some home stays have self contained flats separate from the main residence. You can choose this option if desired. Internet is usually not included with most volunteers purchasing a temporary 3G plan for their own device. Enjoy integrating into a local Fijian way of life. You’ll have the support and care of living with a real Fijian family. We have a dedicated team on the ground and a network of host families and ground operators in various parts of the country.
Meals
Meals are included and served at the host family for breakfast and dinner with lunch on site. A typical day may consist of (subject to variation):
- Breakfast – cereal, bread, butter etc, tea, coffee, milo. Volunteers can make their own eggs should they wish.
- Lunch – Volunteers to prepare their own sandwich. Tuna, cold meat, salad, eggs. Some prefer to take left over dinner from the night before for lunch.
- Dinner – Cooked meal (eg. stews, soups, curries, fish, roast vegetables, taro, sweet potato, bread, rice etc.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Arrivals on Saturdays or Sundays are preferred however we are flexible.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 12 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$620
2 weeks
$820
3 weeks
$950
4 weeks
$1,120
8 weeks
$1,670
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$2,270
Average fees
$405
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Involvement Volunteers IVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Involvement Volunteers IVI cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Involvement Volunteers IVI.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Hydroponic Garden Food Security
Assist IVI in this world first initiative to sow seeds of health, community, creativity, business opportunity and food sustainability for developing communities in Fiji.
$405/week
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