from 849€

Excellent 4.8rating (147)

Community Construction and Renovation

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Create unforgettable bonds with Fijian locals.
  • Experience the wonderful local Fijian culture
  • Physically see the worthwhile contribution you are making to local communities
  • Meet incredible likeminded volunteers and form lifelong friends
  • Visit stunning locations around the islands in your free time

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Support local communities by bringing your creativity and physical labour to build new structures for children and local communities to improve their quality of life.

Construction & renovation, school rebuilding, cyclone rebuilding.  Work along side local tradesman and help to refurbish worn down community structures or build new structures.  No specialist skills are required, however tradespeople of all types (carpentry, plumbing, building, laborers, ...

About the program

Construction & renovation, school rebuilding, cyclone rebuilding.  Work along side local tradesman and help to refurbish worn down community structures or build new structures.  No specialist skills are required, however tradespeople of all types (carpentry, plumbing, building, laborers, electricians etc) are in high demand!  

Many of the schools in the area simply do not have funds for renovation work and as a result, classrooms, libraries and community areas are worn down and uninviting. Through the help from international volunteers, we help re-build and beautify community structures providing positive energy and vibrancy for the locals.  In many areas of Fiji, thousands of families live in inadequate accommodation and children attend school in crumbling buildings. Our construction project allows them to move to new, better quality homes and for the children to receive an education in secure, new classrooms.    

Developing infrastructure for the local community is an amazing way to give back to the Fiji locals directly benefiting them and improving their quality of life. Volunteers will mainly assist in renovating parks, playgrounds, classrooms, kindergartens and other community centers with some supervision and assistance of local tradesmen.


Location

Coral Coast is noted as the ‘adventure capital of Fiji’ and is located about 1 hour from Suva and 1 hour from Nadi. It is known for it’s incredibly beautiful coast line, tourist beaches and resorts and heaps of activities from 4 wheel drive tours, shark feeding, surfing, rivers & waterfalls, golf etc and is home to the famous Bega lagoon and bega fire walkers. Sigatoka is the gateway to the Coral coast and home to several of our projects.


Project Tasks

Plan out daily projects with the local team

Work on building and renovation projects with local skilled workers

Paint, deorate and make nicer living environments for the community


Typical day

On an average, you will be working for about 6 hours in a day on the project.  On Monday, you will start planning the project with the coordinator assigned to you,after having breakfast. Once you plan the project and receive the relevant information, you can have lunch and then leave to work at ...

Typical day

On an average, you will be working for about 6 hours in a day on the project.  On Monday, you will start planning the project with the coordinator assigned to you,after having breakfast. Once you plan the project and receive the relevant information, you can have lunch and then leave to work at the community location on your volunteer construction project. Once your work for the day is complete, you can then return to the center and attend a meeting where you can provide feedback regarding the first day at your placement.

From Tuesday to Friday, your day will begin a bit early. You will be taken to the project site and assigned with particular tasks for the day. A coordinator support will be around you during the project. Then, in the afternoon after lunch, you will work at the community location where you will continue to do with construction and renovation activities.

***The program can be changed depending on the school’s plans and activities as well as weather and local conditions.***

** The placement will run at the local school or communities, program can be changed, depending on the school location.*


Free-time activities

Fiji's landscape is incredible and in their free time volunteers are encouraged to explore beaches and go snorkeling or scuba diving,  visit the sand dunes, or mountains and rivers at Kila Eco Adventure Park. Going into main towns and shopping for souvenirs and interacting with locals is an ...

Free-time activities

Fiji's landscape is incredible and in their free time volunteers are encouraged to explore beaches and go snorkeling or scuba diving,  visit the sand dunes, or mountains and rivers at Kila Eco Adventure Park. Going into main towns and shopping for souvenirs and interacting with locals is an incredible experience, you'll find in Fiji there's always a voice singing! Volunteers also have unique opportunities to participate in Kava ceremonies that are integral to the Fijian culture.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Volunteers with trade skills are in high demand on the island and are encouraged to apply.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

Whats Included

  • Arrival  airport transfer
  • 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
  • Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
  • Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
  • Training & supervision as required
  • Use of necessary equipment incl construction materials
  • Local construction supervision
  • 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
  • Touring & excursions as per itinerary
  • Certificate of Completion 

Airport Pickup at Nadi International Airport

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Nadi International Airport (NAN). You must arrive between 06:00 to 18:00 on either the Saturday or Sunday. There is an extra fee for Saturday night accommodation. 

If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From Nadi International Airport to your accommodation by road (taxi or bus) it takes 1 hour & 30 minutes. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a dedicated house for volunteers with shared bedrooms 4-6 persons per room (single gender rooms). Living with other volunteers in a dormitory-style house is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travellers. The volunteer houses are in close proximity to a basic supermarkets, ATM, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, petrol stations and bus stop.

The bathrooms are shared with western style toilets and cold showers. The accommodation is equipped with free Wi-Fi which volunteers are able to use. Laundry services are available for a small fee. Bed linen and fans are provided. We recommend volunteers bring their own towel. The rooms are lockable and there are also safety deposit boxes available.

*For couples, families or those wanting more privacy, we reccommend a private room, which is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Food & Beverages

Meals are served at the volunteer house 3 times per day during the week; breakfast and dinner only are served during the weekends. There is also filtered water available at the volunteer center.  Bottled water is readily available in Fiji.  If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.  

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

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. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

This program runs weekly starting on the Monday, volunteers are recommended to arrive the weekend before.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 849€
2 weeks 999€
3 weeks 1,290€
4 weeks 1,620€
8 weeks 2,977€
12 weeks (max. stay) 4,316€
Average fees 603€/week

Program fees

603€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 12 weeks

Deposit

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.


Final Payment

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.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (147 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

147 reviews · rating4.8

ANNA RATTERO rating4.2

2024 at Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

È stata una bellissima esperienza, stare con i bambini è stato magnifico! Loro non parlano bene inglese quindi ho comunicato con loro usando soprattutto sguardi e gesti. Si ha la possibilità di conoscere persone del posto, conoscere una nuova cultura e offrire il proprio contributo nel fare ...
Errol S rating5

2024 at Turtle Conservation Assistance

It was an amazing week working with a diverse group of volunteers from around the world. We got to experience working with turtles from nearly hatched to around 8 months old. They were extremely cute and you could really see the impact of the volunteering when we released them into the wild. It ...
Gabriele Heumann rating4.8

2024 at Nutrition & Public Health Outreach Assistant

Vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung. Ein besonderes Lob für Carrun, ich würde es gerne immer wieder machen. Dankeschön auch am Marie und Masi tolle Gastfamilie. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen ...
Michael rating4.8

2023 at Construction & Renovation Assist

I was doing the building and constraction program in Stone Town Zanzibar. The work was in Binguin school with carpainting, laying bricks and painting with local people. The local team with coordinators was very helpful. The accomodation with staff and food was excellent. ..
Had the most amazing time helping children learn English during daily lessons. I will definitely do it again, as I also met the most amazing people. The staff were so welcoming and created a safe space for everyone. Imporvements... Longer hours to ...
The month I spent in dog shelter Abaj Tacalik in Antigua, Guatemala was amazing! I got to really bond with the people and the dogs at my placement and loved going there everyday. We helped out with walking the dogs, cleaning and just giving them love. Next to that, with fundraised money, I was also ...

Location

Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Suva & Coral Coast

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Contact Lauren
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English

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