Volunteering in Fiji 

Bula from Naboutini!

Our Fiji Volunteer Project got underway on 25^th April 2011.  Home for our 6 week project is a breathtaking beautiful village called Naboutini which is on the Northern Fijian Island called Vanua Levu.  We are helping the village to build a massive community centre that will benefit the village and surrounding communities.

Here’s a quick update on the project so far.

After 2 weeks in Naboutini there has been a LOT going on. Once we arrived at the village there was many hellos and much excitement, with preparation and tidying of our house still going as we walked through the door (Fiji time). They made our house very homely which was very kind of them. In the evening we had the traditional kava ceremony, officially welcoming the new volunteers into the village, it was a great night as the locals brought out the guitars and there was much singing!

Work on the community centre is coming together fast with the volunteers all enjoying getting stuck in. The villagers are always reminding us to take a rest and not fight the heat and they even have built us a shaded chill-out area! We have been enjoying fresh coconut juice throughout the day and the village are constantly reminding us they are sooooo thankful for our help!

The first couple of weeks of the project have involved much nailing and sawing/holding up planks of wood, as well as having a go at husking coconuts, fishing, playing a LOT of volleyball and rugby (literally everyday at 4 o'clock).  In the evening we all get together for a few songs and stories on the days events. (Where we have had a couple of opportunities to sample the traditional Grog!)

Weekend Travel

The first weekend was spent in the village by the volunteers and on the Saturday we did our washing, a right feat, with the villages insisting they'd do it! They also cooked up freshly caught fish on a barbeque which was absolutely delicious! Sunday we went to church, with everyone looking very Fijian, in the correct dress, the preacher gave a shout out to the volunteers and MAD saying how lucky and thankful they were for us to be here.

   
Sports Coaching

The second week the volunteers have been getting involved in lots of sports coaching. So far we've had rugby, volleyball, baseball coaching sessions, but it's mainly just a free for all/competition of girls vs. boys. The children definitely appreciate these sessions as everyday we have the same usual suspects turning up at our doorstep wanting to play. It's all great fun though. Thursday was definitely a high moment, the heavens opened and us girls ignoring the weather all went out to play with the children, and then the boys having seen how much fun everyone was having decided to come outside and get soaked too. The whole village was out in the rain, playing a massive game of rugby/volleyball - which resulted in everyone getting in the sea.

Fiji is one of the most amazing places I've visited and I guarantee you - you will love it too! For more information on Madventurer projects here in Naboutini get in touch with the MAD HQ on 01434 633137!

Until next time! Lucy xxx (Fjij Overseas Crew)