Volunteering Projects in the Fiji Islands with Think Pacific

It is an honour to say I am one of a few people who have experienced a Fijian welcome and their generous hospitality. Living in a remote village in Fiji, you get to live like a local and it was incredible to witness their traditions. These projects are aimed towards the youth living in villages but I also found it greatly influenced me as well and changed my perspective of life. If you want a summer where you get to visit a beautiful country and meet some lovey people, this is the trip for you.

Such an incredible and special Experience!
My volunteer trip to Wauosi Village in Nadroga-Navosa, Fiji has been an absolute privilege. Being able to live in Wauosi village and with my Fijian family has been so humbling and incredible. The month in Fiji has opened my eyes as it was a completely new environment and culture.
The adventures that I got to embark on, including walking to the waterfall, with the Fijian youth of the village was a delight. Working with the Fijian youth to support and develop their knowledge as well as ours on leadership, mental health, public health, environment, enterprise and sport’s development. The differences between our two cultures are so profound and are so interesting to find out, and to support the youth to understand new viewpoints in these areas.

During my Think Pacific project, I stayed in Wailotua No.1 a village in Fijian highlands. It is approximately 1.5 hrs from Suva in the Tailevu province. Wailotua No.1 is home to 28 families and is situated in the mountains near a lovely river and one of the longest limestone caves in Fiji. My experience in the village was incredible to say the least, being welcomed into a Fijian family and living amongst the locals was truly amazing; a piece of my heart will always be in Wailotua. My favourite thing about village life is the sense of community; everyone is a brother or sister, and all village members are so welcoming. Throughout the whole experience the Think Pacific team was there to support us and created a very safe environment to discover a new culture and help deliver the project aims. During my project I unfortunately experienced some health concerns and had to leave project, throughout this process I felt so cared for and supported by Think Pacific Team in Suva as well as my project leaders back in Wailotua. Seeing Think Pacific handle the situation in such an organised and professional manner just exacerbates the benefits of doing a project with Think Pacific. They will be with you every step of the way from pre-departure to when you arrive back home. So, if you want to make an impact in a supportive and safe environment Think Pacific is the way to go. As a final note, although not everyone will experience the same things, every person who takes on this adventure will come away with memories so special and unique that it will leave a lasting impact on you forever. Spending one month in a village really opens your eyes to the simplicity of life and it provides the best environment for making lifelong friends.

Naitauvoli Village Youth Empowerment 2023

Taking part in a Think Pacific volunteer project provides you with lifelong experiences that no one can take away. From pre departure, to debrief Think Pacific are there to ensure you are prepared and supported.

Taking part in a project so far away from home, friends, and family can be daunting. However, I quickly realised that Fiji was going to become a second home. The hospitality was not like anything I have experienced before. Being accepted into your family and village with open arms is a feeling to treasure. The three weeks in village felt more like three days.

The workshops in the morning, culture course in the afternoon and optional evening activities created a well structured week. Helping to make the most of your time there. I specifically enjoyed the culture course it was insightful and provided a deeper understanding of the Fijian culture.

I could not be more grateful for the family and friends I now have in Naitauvoli Village, Fiji.

I had the most amazing month in a village called koroua.
I made so many friends and gained a whole family that I can't wait to go back and visit.
We arrived and I immediately felt like I was at home. My adoptive family were so loving and caring and I miss them so much.
We learned so much about fijian culture. And I was so thankful to be fully accepted into the village.
I did the sports development program and I have never played so much volleyball in my life !! I now love and miss volleyball so much
Sota tale Koroua 🇫🇯🩵

It’s so hard to put into words how amazing my experience was and I can not rate think pacific enough!!

I chose think pacific because of the culture exchange and the way you can fully immerse yourself into your experience and it definitely did not disappoint.

You are welcomed into the families and communities with open arms straight away it truly is a home away from home. Some of my best friends and memories have come from doing my think pacific youth empowerment project.

I could not recommend enough!!

Met some amazing people during my time with Think Pacific. If you’re thinking about applying just do it, you won’t regret it. It’s a great way to learn about a completely different culture and to step outside your comfort zone.

It can be challenging at times but just make sure you do your research and are prepared/know what to expect.

Fiji is beautiful and your family will treat you as if you were they’re own. You will be sad when you have to leave your Fijian family because they are the most amazing people!

I completed a 4 week mental health project with Think Pacific and it was hands down the best experience I could’ve ever wished for. Forever grateful I got to be a part of the Think Pacific community, so many amazing memories made and such strong friendships made along the way. Think Pacific are such an incredible organisation and I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities they have given me!
As well as the most inspiring workshops we did with the Fijian youth, learning about the most amazing culture was such a blessing!