Involvement Volunteers International Hi Lauren,
I’m so sorry that I’m replying so late to your email. I had my exams at school and I’ve been so caught up that I never replied! Here’s my feedback:
Highlights of the trip:
Firstly, one highlight of the trip would be the orphanage itself. For the one week that I was there, I assisted with things such as administration, cooking, laundry, assisting school children with homework, and engaging in play time / activities with the children. I also assisted in cleaning and organizing their bookshelves, along with sorting out donations like clothes and toys that they had received from the community. On most afternoons, when the children came home from school, I would help wash and dry their lunchboxes.
During my time, I founded a connection with many of the children there. They were all very sweet, and we would spend our time together playing with balls, the swings, and watching television. Experiencing their daily lives at the orphanage, I found myself feeling gratitude towards my life in Australia, where I had a loving family, with good education opportunities and a stable home. Leaving the children with some gifts from Australia, I definitely realised how lucky I was.
Another highlight was the time off throughout the week, which allowed me to explore Nadi, along with my roommate, who was from Germany. We visited many places, made convenient by their easy bus system. We visited the Wailoaloa Beach, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple and Port Denarau.
Comments on the project impact, team, food, accommodation etc:
My host family was also really welcoming and comforting. They helped me settle in, and introduced me to the Fijian culture through the wonderful food they cooked for me, and also explaining the Fijian culture. I enjoyed my trip to Fiji immensely. I will never forget the experiences and people I met on this journey.
Thank you Lauren and the IVI team for making this trip so fantastic!!
Kind regards,
Anny
