Women & Children Commune in Fiji

We enjoyed our volunteering experience in Fiji and loved interacting with the warm and welcoming Fijian people. Masi and Mare were great hosts and made our stay as comfortable as possible. It was also nice to meet and enjoy the company of Chris and Ruby and hear of their experiences each day. Sampreeti loved her experience of volunteering in the kindergarten as well as accompanying us on the health checks door to door for those who were too disabled to attend clinics in person. We also went to a special needs school (Sunshine School) one day with one of the chief guests who was attending a function at the kindergarten. I donated my bp instrument to the health visitor Aseni and hope it will help her monitor the health of her community through discussion with her local medical personnel. Sampreeti also donated a small amount of stationary supplies to the school for the little students. The school and the Lovu Hart Community were very kind welcoming. I gave a small health talk and watched Aseni deliver a talk to the children and parents on health issues. I enjoyed working with Aseni who was a diligent and caring health visitor. We will carry happy memories of our visit to Fiji. Thank you. Thanks, once again, Dr Susmita & Sampreeti

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The highlight for me was the home stay option, being able to stay with a family and make a real connection was the best experience. To be greeted by a really nice family who welcomed me into their home. It was great to see how they lived including eating, sleeping and everyday chores. Masi, his wife Mere and their son Marika were so nice! Marika was there waiting for me at the airport. They made me feel very welcomed (even had Mere check my hair for head lice). The accommodation with them was very nice, clean house, very comfy beds and I felt safe. Also a great location, easy to walk to town and back. Mere made nice food for dinner every night. The food at the accommodation was really good and traditional, getting me to try a lot of local cuisine. My room was nice and the bathroom was also nice, very clean house.

I can’t express enough how much Meki, Tima and Paulina took care of me. They would even fan me when I was eating and if I was lying on the front deck (anywhere I was actually if they thought it was needed?) I’ve never been fanned before? Sitting up the head of the table being fanned and continually fed was definitely a new experience! I felt like Queen Joey? They also prepared me the most beautiful bedroom. I have arranged to visit Meki and his beautiful family again in October. Also a lovely lady Karalaini from the one of the hotels I stayed in has asked me to her parents village while I’m there. I’m very excited to be seeing everyone! I’ll also get to see the ladies at the women’s commune as Karalaini’s Grandma lives there. This is Karalaini I met at a hotel I stayed in. She is the lady taking me to her village. There’s always a positive if I hadn’t stayed in hotels at times I wouldn’t of met her:) I truly had the best time thank you. I just absolutely love volunteering☀️ Thank you also for always getting back to me Lauren explaining everything to me and helping me every step of the way, x Jo

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Absolute highlight being able to share this experience with my friends. We were also shown an awesome waterfall by one of the residents which I will always remember! Running water and food made by ‘mum’ every day. Really grateful for being looked after so well.

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It all came about when I didn’t get into an overseas program with University and knew I had to have some sort of learning experience whilst overseas. And what a great experience where I have learnt so much! Each day we would assist in the kindergarten from 8 till 12, then we’d spend time with the ladies in the office assisting with any office tasks. In the afternoon, once the school children returned, we played out in the field. Right up until sunset we would play hand clapping games, soccer, rugby, and pani (Fijian yard game). The kids were absolutely gorgeous and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The highlight would be some of the local guys taking us to a waterfall! We had to hike through a sugar cane plantation to the base of the sleeping giant where we then got to jump in and swim at the local watering hole. Litea (or mum as she insisted we call her, by the end of the trip she certainly was out Na). She managed to cook for us all whilst managing the office and taking care of her two adopted children. The food certainly offered us an insight into the Fijian cuisine. We all became obsessed with Tapoka by the end of the trip. We were also very greatful for Mere taking us to the local market so we could enjoy some fresh produce too.

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