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?
- Support Koroipita’s local health clinic in improving the health and wellbeing of residents
- Help promote personal hygiene, healthy lifestyles and awareness of preventable health conditions
- Assist with community health education around diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases
- Support health and hygiene initiatives for children, families and vulnerable members of the community
WHAT you can do?
- Assist with basic health checks such as blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring where appropriately qualified and supervised
- Help deliver educational activities on personal hygiene, nutrition, healthy living and early intervention
- Support kindergarten hygiene initiatives addressing issues such as head lice, scabies and other common skin conditions
- Assist with community wellbeing initiatives, health awareness activities and appropriate mental health support programmes
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 30+ Years Experience
- 18 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: PUBLIC HEALTH & EDUCATION
LOCATION: KOROIPITA
START DATES: NEXT INTAKE will be the 23rd of August and the 18th of October 2026
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY OR RESORT (Depending on time of year)
MIN DURATION: 2 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: MEDICAL, NUTRITION & HEALTH STUDENTS OR QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS, Criminal background check required
Overview
The Koroipita Public Health & Education Project works to improve access to basic healthcare, health education and preventative support for residents within the Koroipita community. The programme is centred around the local health clinic, which provides an important point of care for families and individuals who may otherwise struggle to access regular health services.
Working alongside local health professionals and community staff, volunteers can contribute to health promotion and education focused on personal hygiene, healthy lifestyles and the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Many residents require ongoing support with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, making education, regular monitoring and early intervention important parts of the programme.
The Koroipita health clinic is equipped with basic first aid supplies and equipment including a blood glucose meter, blood pressure monitor, thermometer and nebuliser. The community’s village nurse helps monitor blood sugar and blood pressure, children’s immunisations and other basic health needs. The Ministry of Health also provides additional support through regular visits from a nurse and medical officer.
Volunteers with relevant experience or qualifications may have opportunities to assist with basic health screenings and community health initiatives under appropriate supervision. Depending on the needs at the time, activities can include supporting blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, promoting healthy lifestyle choices and helping residents better understand the importance of managing their health and seeking treatment early.
Children’s health and hygiene are another important focus. The programme regularly works with the Koroipita kindergarten to monitor hygiene and common issues such as head lice, scabies and skin conditions. Volunteers can help reinforce positive hygiene habits and develop engaging educational activities that encourage children to look after their health from an early age.
The project also recognises the importance of mental health and wider community wellbeing. Residents can access counselling and mental health support, while youth programmes provide training, meetings, support groups and life-skills education. Initiatives such as Reality Girls also provide young women with education around reproductive health while helping build confidence and self-esteem.
This is a varied community health programme, so volunteers should arrive with an open mind and willingness to be flexible. Activities will depend on the needs of Koroipita at the time of your placement, and volunteers should be prepared to work alongside local professionals rather than arrive with a fixed agenda. A community-minded approach and willingness to help where your skills are most useful will create the greatest impact.
Location
Koroipita is located near Lautoka, on the western side of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. Rather than being centred around Fiji’s tourist resorts, this placement gives volunteers an opportunity to experience everyday community life and contribute directly to programmes supporting local families.
Lautoka is a working harbour city located north of Nadi and provides access to shops, markets and other services. The location also makes it possible to explore more of Fiji during your free time while experiencing a side of the country many visitors never see.
Project Tasks
- Assist with health checks and basic health monitoring alongside local professionals
- Educate residents about personal hygiene, healthy lifestyles and NCD prevention
- Support children’s health, hygiene and educational activities
- Assist with community health awareness, youth wellbeing and health promotion programs
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.
Alternatively, when working on the resorts, you may be provided a resort room depending on the time of year!
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.
Specialty
Projects
- Nutrition & Public Health Outreach
- Mental Health Outreach
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2 Weeks - $1800
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
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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
Testimonials...
FAQ
A: If you are a qualified professional or student of a health profession, then YES. Your help will be of great advantage here and you will be able to use your initiative, knowledge and skills to really benefit the local community.
For students studying health, nutrition or a related field, this could be an excellent opportunity for you to gain first hand skills, practice what you are learning and gain a greater insight into overseas health practices, all under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
This project can be quite challenging but the rewards much greater!
A: Our program at IVI are all-inclusive. With the program you will receive:
- Accommodation (Home Stays and/or Resort Rooms – Sharing with other volunteers)
- 2 meals p/day (breakfast & dinner)
- Return airport transfers from Nadi
- In-country qualified healthcare practitioner coordinator
- Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
- All ground transportation
- In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
A: As a volunteer, it is your responsibility to organise:
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
A: Yes! Orientation starts on Monday and 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 the program.
During orientation we’ll review previous data from past intakes and practice health checks and related preparations.
A: Your 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.
As a structured outreach placement, transportation to/from project locations (including island locations) is included in the cost. This will normally be via hire care / van with a dedicated driver.
Each day at Koroipita will vary depending on the current health needs of the community. You may spend your morning assisting local health professionals with basic health checks, health monitoring or hygiene initiatives, followed by community education around healthy lifestyles, personal hygiene and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Afternoons may involve children’s health and hygiene activities, youth wellbeing programmes or community health education. Volunteers should remain flexible and be prepared to assist wherever their skills can make the greatest contribution.
- 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.
A: Yes. This project is for students studying in the discipline of health science, physiotherapy & related fields and qualified nurses, therapists, nutritionists, naturopaths, dietitians & allied health professionals. A qualified practitioner will be available to support and guide you during the program. Volunteers without qualifications in this field are still encouraged to apply and depending on your desire and experience, you may be accepted into the program.
A: 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.
A: 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!
A: 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!
A: 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
A: 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
