Boomers Abroad

Description

Join one of our not-for-profit volunteer projects in Fiji and you won't regret it! With its palmed-fringed beaches, world famous surfing competitions, colourful nightlife, and wonderful hospitality, many visitors to Fiji often end up staying longer than they had originally planned. Get to experience the side of Fiji many don't get to see, learn about its culture and traditions all whilst really Making A Difference!

If you fancy joining a not-for-profit volunteer project and spending your GAP year in Fiji then why not check out our Volunteer projects set in remote coastal areas and it will be hard for people not to fall in love with the laid back life, 'Fiji time' and welcoming culture.

In 2011 we worked in a beautiful rural village called Naboutini on the Northern Island of Fiji. The project was right on the beach helping to build a much needed community centre for the villagers and surrouding communities. The village had started work and aimed to complete the structure in 5 -7 years without outside help. Building projects can be slow process as most of the men of the village go out to work each day and have very little spare time. However with the help of Madventurer volunteers and our crew we hope to complete the work in 1 - 2 years instead.

The volunteers helped out in the secondary school at Lakeba which has approximately 30 children aged 12 - 19 years old. The school is boarding and parents take turn cooking meals at the school so its very much a family atmosphere. Lessons include art, science, health, maths, English and Fijian Sports a firm favourite. Volunteers helped out teaching a few days a week depending on the progress of the build in the village.

There is always time for some sports as the Fijian villagers are sport mad. Everyone got involved in volleyball on the beach, rugby, football and rounders. The volunteers even helped to set up a Mad sports day with tug of war, wheel barrow and running races, egg and spoon and three legged races. The sessions are not structures but are a great way to spend an afternoon, or lunch break, or even after dinner playing a game of volley ball on the beach. Sports is an excellet way to get the villagers, volunteers and crew working as a team and a perfect opportunity to get immersed into village life.

Building
Madventurer community projects work in partnership with village development committies. Helping to build much needed facilities including school class rooms, sanitation blocks, clinics, village halls, church restoration, basic housing and village paths/walls.

You might get involved in painting, mixing cement, carrying water or materials, plastering, laying bricks or foundations, sifting sand and basic carpentry. We hire local tradesmen and craftsmen to do the specialised parts helping to create employment in the village as well as cooks and drivers. The building projects is the most tangible contribution that a Mad project makes to the community and forms a focus for the group. No skills or experience is needed, the locals and our Madventurer crew will lead the way and show you what to do.

Teaching
The projects combine building and teaching mainly. You'll find a teaching pack designed to help you make the most of your teaching. Aside from the help in the pack, your crew will support you in-country and you will find that your teaching skills develop with each class. The enthusiasm, praise, time and attention that you give individuals can help to increase the confidence they have in themselves and in their abilities. Creative teaching lessons are a great idea as they make learning fun and much more interesting for the pupils!

Sport
During your project there will be an opportunity to get involved in some general sports (volleyball, netball, football, rugby) with the community. Maybe after dinner a quick game of volleyball, or a lunch break football game or even some rugby at the weekend. This is a great way to get the village together and interacting with the volunteer group and overseas crew. Sessions are not structured but its a great opportunity to pass on any tips, techniques or skills you might have picked up from playing the sport at home.

Ages: Min of 17 years and most volunteers are GAP year students and career breakers

Food: Tradational meals supplied by host family may include Breakfast - doughy pancakes, porridge, fruit tea, steamed buns, crackers. Lunch can be noodles, rice, tuna, cabbage, egg plant, corned beef. Dinner can be fish, octopus, rice, chicken, noodles, cassava, meat. On special occasions like weddings or holidays you might even try pig, cow or goat!

Accommodation: Basic accommodation within the village, usually boys in one room, girls in the other. The group normally stays in the same village, depending on volunteer numbers with our Madventurer crew as well.

Weekend Travel: Towns called Savusavu or Labasa where you can find backpackers, bars, places to eat, diving, bike hire, internet, night club, hot springs, pearl farm, guided kayaking tours, walks, sailing, snorkeling and sunset cruises.

Weather: Rain from Nov-Mar with high temperatues and humidity the rest of the time, can get 6-8 hours of sunshine a day.

Activities: This is a combination of building and teaching. You can also get involved in general sports like volleyball, rugby etc.

Location: Rural village projects 3-4 hours from Labasa next to the beach.