Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Fiji
- Approx 34% of the population in Fiji live below the poverty line
- Rates for education and literacy are low, making it hard for many local people to find skilled work
- Lack of adamant nutrition is prominant in Fiji, increased by the cheap imported food available, leading to obesity problems, as well as problems such as type 2 diabetes & micronutrient deficiencies
- Malutrition is also seen in Fiji, particually with the under 5's, showing signs such as stunted growth and wasting (loosing muscle mass)
HOW can you help?
- Help to complete the stage 4 development plan
- Assist local builders to build affordable, cyclone-safe homes
- Provide an extra set of hands in numerous areas, helping to ease the workload on local staff
- Bring along your determination, working in the heat can be hard!
WHAT can you do?
- You will be constantly guided by skilled workers
- Build houses from scratch, according to abilities
- Work as a team, coming together to achieve a goal
- Get stuck in!
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- 16 Projects to Choose From in Fiji
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: KOROIPITA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION
LOCATION: KOROIPITA, near to LAUTOKA
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS) Closed between Saturday December 15th to January 11 2025
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 18+ (16 if accompanied by a Guardian/Parent)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
On this project we work with a local Charitable Trust, who create solutions to the challenges of poverty, rural-urban drift, and the increasing need to re-settle climate change refugees.
The idea is that local families are offered affordable, cyclone-safe homes within a fully serviced township community. It is mandatory for the children in these communities to go to school, with the residents being encouraged to take environmental and community responsibility.
Koroipita community is currently home to 263 families. With funding support from the New Zealand Aid Programme and Ministry of Housing and Community Development, we are now going to build an additional 105 homes as part of Stage 4 development.
We are in need of volunteers to help complete this program. This is a fantastic project for group bookings (ideally teams of 6-8 people, up to 12). Working as part of a team, you can really see progress in a short amount of time. Individual volunteers are of course also very welcome!
All skill levels are welcome. Teams must be reasonably fit and be prepared for anything. Flexibility is more important than fitness but there is a limit, as there is manual labour involved.
You will be supervised at all times by skilled local builders, so there is no need to worry if you have no experience in construction work.
Safety Gear
You are expected to bring and wear safety boots with a STEEL CAP, to wear at the construction site at all times. Hard hats are provided and there will be a first aid kit available onsite.
Tools
All building tools are provided; however, we encourage you to bring your own hammers (these can be bought once arrived), and you are welcome to leave these behind if you choose to do so. We also welcome donation of tools. Please check with the local team for what is needed.
Transport
We have two trucks available onsite. It can be used to transport volunteers to and from and around the site during the day.
Water
You will need to drink lots of water from the start of the day until sundown. Do not wait until you get thirsty or dehydrated. We practice recycling in the community so please dispose your bottles in designated bins. We also recommend bringing hand sanitiser. There are clean toilets accessible at Koroipita.
Mosquitoes
Koroipita is generally a clean community however, few mosquitoes are visible in the daytime. It will be wise to bring mosquito repellent.
Medical
Lautoka Hospital is not far from the site. The team will have all emergency contacts available onsite. If you are taking any prescription medications, please bring them along with you.
Insurance
Insurance is only covered for local workers; we DO NOT have cover for short-term volunteers. This is something you may want to factor into your insurance.
Security on site
We will assign you a safe lockable storage where you may keep all your personal belongings. It is important to be careful with cameras, wallets and other items while at Koroipita. Inevitably, all kinds of people wander in and out of the site.
Volunteers must be careful with tools and valuables, even at the job area. DO NOT leave valuables on site when going to lunch. The security process for tools and materials will be explained at the briefing.
Security Tips:
- Bring the cheapest watch you own
- Avoid bringing a laptop or iPad
- Do not bring expensive cameras – if you want to bring one take extreme caution.
- Avoid expensive boots, jackets, backpacks
Booze
You may bring your own liquor, wine, beer or kava. The Northern Club is open every day….but don’t overdo it….there is work to do in the sun.
Gifts
We request volunteers NOT to bring donations or gifts for individual residents. If you want to donate, please talk to our team members who will provide the best guidance. Avoid sharing personal contacts or social media details with community residents.
We have several pool funds which are established to support the neediest families in the community. These are Shelter Fund, Welfare Fund, Education Fund and Health Fund.
Photos
You are welcome to take pictures and share it on social media however, prior consent is needed from individuals, particularly when photographing children. You may also invite local media to cover the story, however, please discuss with our team to ensure the correct information and statistics are published.
We look forward to welcoming your team and greatly appreciate and value your contribution and generosity.
Location
Lautoka, located 20 min north of Nadi, is a lovely and safe working class harbour city with many areas to explore (eg. hiking trails, mud pools etc). You will be spending time in the working class areas where the genuine needs exist.
Project Tasks
- Working together as a team under the guidence of a professional
- Buildng new houses from scratch
- Assisting in all areas of the development plan
Food & Accommodation
Enjoy living like a Fiji local. You’ll have your own single or twin share room within private, clean and safe western style homes. You will have a place to store your personal belongings, a private bathroom and toilet (where possible – not all placements include this), a fan and single mattress or double/queen if sharing with your partner. Some home stays have self contained flats separate from the main residence. You can choose this option if desired. Internet is usually not included with most volunteers purchasing a temporary 3G plan for their own device.
Meals are included and served at the host family for breakfast and dinner with lunch on site. A typical day may consist of (subject to variation):
Breakfast – cereal, bread, butter etc, tea, coffee, milo. Volunteers can make their own eggs should they wish.
Lunch – Volunteers to prepare their own sandwich. Tuna, cold meat, salad, eggs. Some prefer to take left over dinner from the night before for lunch.
Dinner – Cooked meal (eg. stews, soups, curries, fish, roast vegetables, taro, sweet potato, bread, rice etc.
Nadi/Lautoka
Area
- *Remote Island Teaching
- Woman & Children’s Commune
- Orphanage Childcare
- Special Needs School
- Animal Shelter
- Disaster Mngt & First Aid
- Koroipita Construction
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1 Week - $395
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2 Weeks - $555
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3 Weeks - $715
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1 Month - $895
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2 Months - $1545
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3 Months - $2195
- Private rooms cost additional $150 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation (not for Nadi/Lautoka programs)
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you have a reasonable level of fitness and don’t mind a bit of hard work in the sun, then yes! No experience is required, as you will be supervised at all times, but assistence from qualified builders is greatly welcome. This is an excellent team program, for those who enjoy working with others to achieve an overall goal.
- Return airport pickup/drop off
- Accommodation (Home Stays – Sharing with other volunteers)
- 2 meals p/day (Breakfast & Dinner)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea daily
- Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
- In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
- Transportation to and from the program
The Home Stay placements involve a simple and effective orientation which includes a tour of the local area and an overview of the project including any necessary permits, paperwork and logistics. In most cases you will have 1 to 2 days to ease your way into the culture and settle into your new surrounds before commencing in your designated program.
For home stay placements, arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the cost of your volunteer program for a pick-up from Nadi to the Nadi / Lautoka areas.
Transportation to/from your home stay to the placement each day is generally your responsibility, however your home stay family will assist you and ensure you receive local rates for any costs involved. We’ll place you as close as possible to the placement to limit daily travel times. Expect between 5-50 min each way for a small local transport fee.
If arriving on the Saturday, you’ll need to book an extra nights accommodation in advance for an extra cost p/night, which includes meals.
Typically, our work hours are from 8 am to 4.30 Monday to Friday. We also allow flexibility for work on weekends to accommodate volunteer teams.
On arrival volunteers will meet at the community hall and will go through a compulsory orientation which involves a site tour and power point briefing on the following topics:
- Project history and relevance
- Construction briefing
- Safety briefing
- Child safeguarding protocols – you will be expected to sign our Child Safe Guarding Code of Conduct.
The above briefing is to avoid any causalities on site and to ensure that we maintain construction and community standards.
- Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant: This beautiful orchid garden in Nadi was founded by actor Raymond Burr and is home to more than 2,000 varieties of orchids.
- Relax on the beach: There are many beaches in the Nadi and Lautoka area where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Some popular ones include Natadola Beach and Denarau Island.
- Explore the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool: Located just outside of Nadi, this natural hot spring and mud pool is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
- Take a tour of the Viseisei Village: This historic village near Lautoka is considered to be the oldest settlement in Fiji, and you can take a guided tour to learn about its history and culture.
- Shop at the Nadi Market: This bustling market in the heart of Nadi is a great place to find local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
- Visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple: This beautiful Hindu temple in Nadi is the largest in the southern hemisphere and is worth a visit for its intricate architecture and colorful decor.
- Take a day trip to the Yasawa Islands: The Yasawa Islands are a chain of islands off the coast of Nadi, and you can take a day trip to explore their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Learn to surf: Fiji is known for its world-class surf breaks, and there are several surf schools in the Nadi and Lautoka area where you can take lessons and catch some waves.
Coral Coast/ Sigatoka
- Visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: This national park in Sigatoka is home to ancient Fijian archaeological sites and offers stunning views of the coastline.
- Be adventourous with white-water rafting, shark feeding, jet ski tours, zip lining and diving.
- Go on a river safari: Take a guided tour up the Sigatoka River to explore the Fijian interior and see traditional Fijian villages.
- Explore the Kula Eco Park: This conservation park in Sigatoka is home to many endangered Fijian species, including the Fijian crested iguana and the banded iguana.
- Relax on the beach: The Coral Coast is home to many beautiful beaches, including Natadola Beach and the beach at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.
- Take a coral reef tour: Explore the beautiful coral reefs off the coast of the Coral Coast on a snorkeling or diving tour.
- Visit the Tavuni Hill Fort: This historic fort near Sigatoka dates back to the 1700s and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Biausevu Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall near Sigatoka is surrounded by lush rainforest and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
- Go on a sea kayaking tour: Explore the coastline and offshore islands of the Coral Coast on a guided sea kayaking tour.
- Attend a traditional Fijian ceremony: Many hotels and resorts in the Sigatoka and Coral Coast areas offer traditional Fijian ceremonies, including kava ceremonies and meke dance performances.
- Visit the Sigatoka Market: This bustling market in the heart of Sigatoka offers fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- No extra requirements, other than to bring your own hammer, which can be bought once in Fiji.
Fiji is an archipelago of 330 tropical islands. It’s one of the most developed Pacific Island economies however, a chronic lack in investment and under-employment pose obstacles to sustainable and equitable economic growth in Fiji.
More than 250,000 people in the Fiji islands live in poverty and many more Fijians live on or just above the poverty line. Efficient delivery in health care, in education, in work opportunities and other social services are incredibly difficult in Fiji.
A great disparity exists between the working class communities and the multi-national owned tourism resorts which represent approx 25% of Fiji’s Gross domestic product. Sadly, much of the wealth generated from this sector does not filter down to the local communities.
IVI have a well established program in Fiji build by local Fijian’s with in depth understanding of the local needs. We have a have a variety of skilled and non skilled volunteering options for anyone seeking to live like a local far away from the trendy monotonous tourist resorts.
Fiji enjoys a hot and humid climate year round. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.
May to October is considered one of the best time to visit, as it’s the dry season. The wet season is from November to April. The island will recieve heavy rain, but in short outbursts. In July and August, temperatures can fall to as low as 18°C, making it a pleasent time to visit for those who enjoy cooler weather!
The Fijian people have a strong sense of their own culture and customs and highly developed sense of honor. The locals are generally very friendly and welcoming. Within Fijian villages, tribal alliances are still intact and money does not play a significant role in their daily lives. Visitors are not always accustomed to the slow work pace (they call it “Fiji time”). Do not worry too much about this, just go with the flow!
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
