Teaching and Sports Education

The program

The goal of this project, which takes place in both Suva and Pacific Harbour is to coach children in various sports and create an impact on their physical and psychological health. Sport has an important role in the development of young children, with great potential to affect their future.Through recreational activities, you are encouraged to build a relationship with the children and create a fun and action-filled program. Make a difference in the lives of young people growing up in Fiji, learn about life as a teacher and contribute to education’s role in achieving sustainable development.

Your first week will be an introductory experience to the island, this is compulsory for all trips to Fiji, and is the best way to get to know the people, culture and nature before starting your volunteer experience.

Introduction experience

The introductory week in either Suva or Pacific Harbour is a perfect way to get introduced to Fiji and its inhabitants - some of the happiest and nicest people on Earth! You will get an opportunity to explore its beautiful nature and rich culture, learn about the country, find out the do’s and dont’s regarding safety and transportation. Discover Fiji’s unique identity though the food, the festivals, the rituals, the crafts and the arts. The local architecture, customs and traditions tell the story of the evolution of Fijian culture and you can discover layers upon layers of knowledge. Join a Kava ceremony, visit the markets, attend a weaving class, learn about the Fijian language and cooking.

During your first week you will be introduced to the culture and people of Fiji, learn about the country and explore the geographical and cultural environment. Learning through experiencing Fiji will provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural similarities and differences and will allow you to develop a more detailed awareness and understanding of the Fijian culture. The week includes visits to Fijian markets, discovering various crafts and local architecture, visiting museums and the sports stadium, learning the local language, cooking techniques and discovering other activities. The introduction week also includes sessions on safety, transportation and local do’s and dont’s.

Various crafts and traditional customs have shaped the Fijian society over many centuries. During your introduction week, you will be invited to take part in a traditional kava ceremony, which is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the local spirit, as well as your fellow volunteers. The Suva City and Market Tour includes a visit to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Suva port, the cinema, fish market, fresh market, a shopping centre, swimming pool and even a visit to the Fiji Immigration Centre! The week also presents opportunities to dig deeper into Fijian culture with a cooking class, weaving class and language lessons.

The first three days of the week will be spent getting to know all aspects of Fiji, leaving the last two days for you to visit and get acquainted with your chosen volunteer project placement.

The Location

Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific whose 333 beautiful islands are famous for their blue lagoons and sandy beaches. When the first settlers, the “Lapita” people, arrived three and a half thousand years ago, they lay the foundation of a complex cultural network and a unique identity which differentiates Fiji from its neighbors. Today’s inhabitants of Fiji - Indians, Europeans, Chinese and other Pacific islanders, live together peacefully and preserve their culture and identity. The two major islands - Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are home to the majority of the country’s population, which leaves the rest of Fiji less densely populated.

Suva, located on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, is the capital of the country and its most cosmopolitan city. A harbour city built on the peninsula, Suva has approximately 86,000 inhabitants of European, Indian, Asian and Fijian background. With a unique combination of nature and culture, Suva is a great place to enjoy fresh flora and perfect beaches as well as to explore Fijian arts, rituals and festivals.

Depending on your previous skills and experience, you might take part in all or parts of the program activities, such as teaching sports rules and the basics of different games, showing examples of sports, organizing sports-related activities, playing with the children and teaching respect and fair play.

You will have an opportunity to teach education-based concepts to different age groups and different levels. You are encouraged to be as creative as possible in the way you share your knowledge and express your interest and enthusiasm about sports. The children in the nearby community come after school hours and are grouped in teams. Together with a local coach, you will train and work with these young sportsmen, who might one day represent their country on an international level! After the workouts, there is time to enjoy some refreshments together with your students.

Your daily schedule includes teaching and coaching during morning sports classes at the local school. After lunch you will teach and coach in the Sport Academy in the village. The day will end with delicious dinner and time to relax at the centre and spend time with your fellow volunteers.