Description

Volunteering on a Care project in Fiji is an ideal way to get involved with the local community of this fascinating island. Whether you are on a gap year, summer placement, or career break we will arrange a great project for you.

Volunteers with specific qualifications and experience are welcome, though you don't need either to join us as a Care volunteer. All we ask is that you bring energy, passion, and commitment to the placement.

The Fijian islands in the South Pacific are home to a courteous, sincere people with ancient traditions. However, Fiji is facing increased poverty as more people move from villages to cities centers.

Our Care placements are based in and around Nadi on the west coast of Viti Levu and Suva on the east coast. Most volunteers work at kindergartens, though there are also opportunities to volunteer in either an orphanage or center for children with special needs. Please let us know if you have a preference on your application so we can place you according to your skills and interest.

The class sizes are large at the kindergartens so it's difficult for local staff to give each child as much attention as they need. Volunteers working here will be able to provide a helping hand by looking after and caring for the children. It is also the perfect opportunity to put any skills and interests you have to use, whether you make arts and crafts, or teach games and songs to the children - your suggestions will be well received. By showing initiative and enthusiasm the options are endless.

Projects Abroad also works with a center for children with special needs. Here volunteers can provide the children with the extra care and attention they need. This project is challenging yet extremely rewarding. There is a great need for people who have experience or qualifications in this field, in particular speech therapy or special needs education. Most importantly they welcome any volunteers who have patience and a strong desire to help wherever necessary.

Volunteers normally live with a host family that is either walking distance or a short bus ride from their project.

Highlights

In whichever Care project in Fiji you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. It is in your role as a volunteer - spending time with the children, playing with them and putting a smile on their face - that you will learn how your help impacts those you work with. Whether you're taking a group out for a trip to the beach, helping with homework, playing a game, or reading a story to the younger ones, you will be an essential part of the children's development.

The majority of care centers and kindergartens in Fiji have a vacation period from the beginning of December to the end of January. Care volunteers working during this period will continue working at the Projects Abroad summer schools that are run in both Suva and Nadi. Projects Abroad volunteers are solely responsible for planning and running all the lessons and it's a great opportunity to use your imagination and come up with educational lessons, games, arts and crafts, and other activities.

Intern Types

• Social Work

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

All accommodation, food, travel and medical insurance, custom tailored placement, 24 hour in country staff support, and airport transfers.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992