Description

Put on your sulu, prepare for a sevusevu, and join us on a journey into the lives of Fiji's indigenous villagers. Travel to the small farming community of Rabaraba, where you'll become part of an innovative grassroots development project started by four local brothers.

Opportunities for the Future
The Growing Within project began with the hard work of four Fijian brothers trying to provide for their families. They started with two bulls used to plow the fields and a water tank for irrigation. Their idea has since grown into an innovative grassroots development project. Join forces with them as they develop a business that will enable them to support their families, help their clan meet basic needs, and improve their quality of life. Jump in and share your ideas and help this family create positive change

Become a part of this community as you live and work alongside these families. Assist with harvesting and planting crops to sell at the local market, collect food for meals, share in daily tasks, and learn what life for a remote villager is really like.

In addition to working on the farm, you will explore other aspects of life and service in the area. You will tutor at local schools, visit a village health center, and expand your understanding of daily life in a rural Fijian village. Take part in group conversations on basic development issues and discuss how access to things we often take for granted at home, such as quality education and clean drinking water, can be improved.

Life at our Farm House
You'll stay at the Rustic Pathways Farm House  part of our Highlands Immersion and Service Base  while you're here. Our Farm House sits along a bend in the river and is nestled among the homes of local families. You will also spend time at our Nasivikoso Bure, located in the heart of the village, and share in the fun of a meke performance, traditional ceremonies, and other village activities.

Local Footpaths
You will also have time to explore the Highlands region, Nadi, and Fiji's famous coast. Join your village friends on a hike into the mountains to swim at the base of a majestic waterfall, explore ancient caves hidden in the hills, and learn about medicinal herbs that grow wild in the Fijian bush. You'll also travel from the Highlands with heaping bags of ripe cassava, bananas, and papayas to the bustling Nadi market to help the local women sell their crops and take some time to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.

As your journey in the Highlands comes to a close, you will spend your last day reflecting on your experiences and the lessons you learned as you relax on one of Fiji's famous tropical beaches. Fiji is known for its magnificent coast, but we're sure it will be the Highlands you'll miss when you leave.

Who Should Come
If you're ready for a first-hand look at life in an indigenous village and want to become a part of a grassroots development initiative, then this is the program for you.

Highlights

DISCOVER the challenges facing indigenous villagers in the remote Fijian Highlands and learn what you can do to help.

SUPPORT families through community projects as they support you in your journey into Fijian life and grassroots service.

FOLLOW the rhythms of local life as you live and work alongside the friendly families of your welcoming host village.

LEARN to live off the land and unearth the secrets of traditional remedies passed down from one generation to the next.

TRAVEL to local markets and help villagers sell their crops.

Qualifications

Students must be 16-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,895+ International airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Agriculture
• Community Development
• Indigenous Issues
• Organic Farming
• Volunteering

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983