This is an incredible placement where you can experience in depth the authentic Fijian Island way of living. After presentation of your offering (Kava ceremony) you will be welcomed into the community to live as an honored guest.
The location
This island paradise has extensive views over fringing coral reefs and green-blue tropical seas. It’s a medium sized island (approx 10km in diameter) with cliffs and rolling hills for amazing hikes with views out to surrounding islands where for island hopping or snorkelling. With approx 800 native Fijian inhabitants (some of whom have never seen a car!) Many inhabitant’s work on the local tourist islands. The village’s main source of incomes is handicrafts, pottery and shells, with the local people otherwise relying on subsistence farming and fishing.
The school
The placement is centred around the local public school where approx 100 students from kindergarten through to grade 6 come to learn each day. The school receives very minimal government funding and there are substantial needs in all areas of educational assistance, school resources, community development, infrastructure and vocational support.
Volunteer work
The volunteers tasks are varied and acceptance into the program will be based on individual applications. Volunteers will need to be self sufficient and competent enough to see areas of opportunity and to assist as appropriate. This is a challenging and raw experience where you can truly make a positive impact and likely gain an appreciation for the simple things in life.
The role of volunteers will involve working with the remote island school teachers and coordinators to design fun and interactive lessons which enable alternative teaching methods and intercultural learning. As the Fijian school curriculum is very standard, having volunteers provides new ways of viewing the world which benefits the kids by providing alternative ways of thinking.
Who we are looking for
Volunteers need only to bring a positive attitude and willingness to experience the true Fijian culture.
Typical day
As you will be living within the school compound which is literally on the beach on a small island setting with an approx 3km perimeter coastline, your life will be centered around the school activities and daily rituals associated.
Wake-up with roosters crowing at 5am. Help in early morning chores and excercise, feeding the boarding students.
Preparing lessons for the day.Teaching a lesson or two. Maybe maths, english, sports, geography, you'll be surprised how much insight you can offer! The students here are very sheltered from the outside world and take so much away from your involvement in their lives even for a short period of time.
Details on Arrival
Included in the cost is an arrival airport transfer from Nadi airport to the marina if heading to the islands directly. In most cases however, you’ll stay with a home stay in Nadi or Lautoka for 1 or 2 nights before making your way to the island.
We can arrange return transfers to/from the marina for US$50 if booked in advance. Just ask while making the booking. Otherwise you can take a bus or a tax will cost approx US$10-15 from Nadi.
There are 2 ferry trips to/from the island daily departing from Port Denerau each day;
- Departing Ferrys – 9:15am and 3:00pm
- Returning Ferrys – 10:15am and 4:00pm
As a volunteer through IVI, you will obtain a large subsidy on the cost of the Ferrys. The IVI country manager will assist you in the necessary paperwork…
Free-time activities
You are located on a proper Fijian remote island in the manamunca island range. Island hopping to local tourist resort islands is the most likely past time for volunteers in this region. This is truly a unique placement as foreigners are not allowed to visit the island without express consent from the island chief. As part of the volunteer arrival you must bring Yaqona (Cava) as an offering to the chief.
Snorkling
Meditation
Program Requirements
Included Services
Before your journey
On-site services
- The Application Fee is included in the above pricing (US$275) 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.
- Please note there is an additional cost for ferry transfers not included in the above pricing. You'll pay the local rates which work out to approx US$50 return for the fast ferry or local boat which we'll provide for you.
Arrivals on Saturday and Sundays are preferred. Pick up from Nadi International Airport
You will live within the large gated school compound where individual family residences exist for the school staff and their families. You’ll normally be provided your own room or sharing with another volunteer. Bedding is usually a mattress on the floor. It’s clean and comfortable, but no frills. The houses are light and airy right next to the ocean but very basic, with normally a living area, sleeping area, kitchen and adjoining bathroom.
Electricity is a luxury on the island and small solar lamps are used for the evenings. This means, tv’s radio’s, fridges etc are limited. You’ll be able to charge your laptop or mobile device no problem. You’ll also have a safe place to store your belongings.
Please note – Many things that we take for granted in our homes are not available on the island and living conditions are very basic. Borehole water is used for washing and toilets and rainwater is used for cooking and drinking. Toilets are western style and waterseal. They need to be filled with a bucket of water to fill the cisten before flushing.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can be quite scarce on the island so it’s recommended to bring a small offering of rice, flour or long lasting vegetables (ie. cabbage) with you along with some snacks for yourself if desired. You will have plenty to eat, but the variety of options will be less than other home stay placements.
Breakfast would normally consist of tea with homemade pancakes, bread and fruit if available. The pancakes are very similar to donuts and very yummy!
Lunch and dinner would mostly consist of fresh fish, chicken, lamb or tinned food. This placement will be difficult for vegetarians who do not eat fish.
Program Fees
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