Volunteer in the Yasawa Island community with underprivileged children

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Program Overview
Life on the Program
Project Details
Volunteer Testimonials

Program Overview

The ancient chain of Yasawa Islands are located in the western region of Fiji. Clear blue waters, white sandy beaches and beautiful volcanic hillsides combine to make a truly stunning environment in which to work.

This volunteer project aims to support under-resourced local schools and teachers assisting with teaching, games and activities both inside the class and out.

Working with the Indigenous Yasawa community this project provides the opportunity to be immersed in Fijian culture whilst supporting local children through their education and improving their future prospects.

Highlights Include: Teaching children and seeing them progress, exploring Fiji to see beautiful sights, island hopping, seeing waterfalls, scuba diving, snorkelling, traditional ceremonies, white beaches, climbing volcanoes, enjoying breathtaking scenery, saying Bula to everyone, meeting inspirational people, making lifelong friends, loving Fiji!

Scholarships

We are always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to join our team. This project offers qualifying and high-performing volunteers the chance to stay on the project for a longer duration on a GVI Scholarship free of charge and as part of the staff team in the field. If you would like to work towards a field career and make the very most of your time abroad, you might want to work towards a place on a GVI Scholarship. Successful scholars may find themselves offered full time employment with GVI, and many of our current staff have come through this route. Contact us for more information! Please note, the awarding of scholarships is at the sole discretion of GVI and may be offered immediately after the completion of your program or at a later date.

Life on the Program

Morning assembly usually marks the beginning of the day followed by a teachers' meeting to discuss the plan for the day. The rest of the school day will be spent focusing on teaching, organising and running activities and providing assistance to other teachers.

You will stay in basic dormitory accommodation with a communal kitchen and work area and living space to relax with fellow volunteers. In the evenings the team will gather to eat and share stories, meals are cooked by teams on a rotational basis.

For weekends you will be spoilt for choice in this beautiful exotic location. Snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking and island hopping are just some of your options to explore.

Project Details

Our local partners, the community and local council have specifically requested our assistance with English language teaching, mathematics, sports education and arts.

As local teachers are overworked there is an immediate need to provide them with assistance and additional English language resources.

In assisting teachers with lessons, you will help improve the education of disadvantaged Fijian children.

How this project makes a difference:

Locally trained teachers are in need of assistance to provide the necessary levels of education to enable local children to hope for a better future. English language skills help provide a link between different ethnic communities as well as being required for a well-paid job. Our teaching and childcare projects provide additional resources to teachers in need.

Volunteer Testimonials

Tyler McKay, USA, 2012

I just recently returned home from our education project in Fiji. I knew that this was going to be an adventure that I would never forget buy what I didn't know was how it would change my life. After living in Fiji for over a month I realized just how easy my life was compared to the Fijian people's. They truly do not have anything they do not need and are surprisingly the most welcoming, polite and friendly people I've ever met. Once I returned home I made a decision that I was going to come as close to living like their life style as I possibly could. 1 week after my arrival back home I had sold half of my wardrobe and nearly all of my possessions. With this money I received from selling my possessions, I decided I will use it to pay off my remaining debt, so that I will be able to continue traveling the world and helping children in different cultures/countries. The reason I'm writing you is to,thank you for the opportunity you've giving me to experience this completely new and exciting time in my life. Before I left for Fiji I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life, now I have a strong sense of direction. I firmly stand behind GVI and every thing it stands for, Again thank you for this life changing opportunity. I hope you consider my request and regardless of the outcome I WILL be involved with GVI for many years to come!