Live in the South Pacific and improve village infrastructure in indigenous communities

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Program Overview
Life on the Program
Project Details
Volunteer Testimonials

Program Overview

Live on the beach in Fiji and work in tandem with the local people on community development projects.

This multi focused expedition is based in the Yasawas, a chain of about 20 ancient islands that are located in the western region of Fiji. Pristine white sandy beaches and clear sapphire blue waters surround dramatic volcanic hillsides sliding into crystal clear lagoons. Here you will have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and help build important tools to help future generations.

Joining a group of international volunteers to make up this expedition you will assit several initiatives within the Yasawas mainly focusing on fresh water management, education, environmental initiatives, sustainable fishing and sustainable agriculture practices.

Just a few of the Highlights!

On weekends or pre/post your volunteer work you can enjoy island hopping, stunning remote island locations, scuba diving, snorkelling, traditional ceremonies, idyllic traditional Fijian villages, white beaches, climbing volcanic mountains, enjoying breathtaking scenery, cave swimming, cultural immersion in the Fijian way of life, learning to speak Fijian. Directly helping in the construction and installation of rainwater harvesting systems, helping to improve the lives of villagers, volunteer in local kindergartens and schools, interacting with villagers and making lifelong friends.

Scholarships

We are always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to join our team. This expedition offers qualifying and high-performing volunteers the chance to stay on the expedition 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

Weekdays start early in the islands. Our team rises together, has breakfast and then convenes for our daily team meeting. After reviewing the current project’s progress, you will head out to your work site with your team. You will generally work Monday through to Friday with weekends off to relax or explore the local area.

Fiji is a beautiful and exotic destination, home to picturesque white sand beaches, world-class dive sites, and Fiji’s famous culture, hospitality and warmth. From island hoping to hiking, to scuba diving and snorkeling, this chain of islands is one of the most coveted destinations in the world.

Project Details

One of the goals of this project is to ensure fresh water supply throughout the region through local construction projects and through local education. Drinking water in the Yasawa group is scarce due to the seasonality of rainfall and a lack of natural reservoirs.

Secondly, the local council has requested specific support with English language teaching, mathematics, sports and arts. This element of the project plays a key part in providing native English speakers to school across the communities.

This project is run in conjunction with the local Yasawa Trust Foundation, and the priorities of our projects are determined in collaboration with them.

How this program makes a difference:

Many villages in the Yasawa Islands do not have access to a constant supply of fresh water and lack sustainable sources of income.

GVI works directly with the Yasawa Trust Foundation by supplying volunteers to help with their initiatives.

Thus far, the Yasawa Trust has been successful building rainwater collection systems and in spreading education throughout the area.