Fiji
Destinations » FijiWith 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.
Fiji Rural Community Building, Teaching and Sports Projects
If you fancy volunteering in Fiji then why not check out our Rural Community Building, Teaching and Sports Projects in remote, inland areas of Fiji’s rugged interior. Volunteers will be living in the spectacular volcanic highlands surrounded by lush forest and jagged mountains but you’re never too far from a glorious beach in Fiji for weekend breaks.
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. 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.
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!
At what level you get involved in teaching is up to you. You will be introduced to the Principle of the school during the first week of your project to discuss the schools needs and then be fitted into a timetable for the duration of the project. English is the subject that the school principles are most keen for you to teach. It is possible to take classes in pairs or you can teach classes on your own if you are confident and want to do this. There can be opportunities to teach other subjects after school such as dance, drama or sport depending on the schools resources and time table!
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.
Be part of something special!
For more information on our Rural Community Teaching and Building projects then just get in touch on 0845 121 1996 or email elainel@madventurer.com for more details!
Fiji Pre-departure Information
For all Fiji info just follow the link above to access the "Full Trip Notes". The trip notes will give you all the details you need to get organised including arrivals, departures, itinerary, what to pack, culture, security, safety, Mad Tribe Blog plus lots more!
Volunteer Feedback
“The experience here I will take with me for the rest of my life. I was very glad to have come to Fiji, and meet people through Madventurer.” Andy Brookes, 19, Fiji 2007
“Fantastic. You can see that the kids enjoy themselves and appreciated what we were doing. Not only that but I learned a lot from coaching - keeping kids motivated and excited as well as learning along the way.” Laura Weatherill, 21, Fiji 2006
“Absolutely fantastic, loved it!” Nicola Ward, Fiji 2006
“Incredible! Not enough room to write how good it has been!” Tom Rooney, Fiji 2006
“I liked the fact I was included in the school as one of the main teachers, so I felt I had a bit more flexibility and the children had more respect for me”. Fran Buchanan, Fiji, July 2008
“I would definitely return, it’s an amazing country. I will miss the children I taught. It’s a great place to go for sun, nice people and the culture”. Jayne Edwards, Fiji, June 2008
“The best bits were meeting new people, getting to go to a variety of schools and generally having the freedom to do things!” Louise Wright, Fiji, June 2008
“It was a great experience, it was the best thing I have ever done”. Adam Broomfield, Fiji, July 2008
“The best bit was being given freedom at the school and having flexibility in the classrooms to have fun with the kids”. Tricia Pater, Fiji, July 2008
“Highs and Lows – Transport to and from the local schools made coaching very easy. ‘Fiji Time’ made coaching quite hard!! This project has been an unbelievable experience, one that I will remember for the rest of my life. The crew, people in the house and the people in the community have all been amazing”. Luke Gupta, Fiji, August 2008
“So many best bits; the trip to Nakavika village was amazing, I really enjoyed working with and teaching the students at a variety of schools and at a variety of standards. The house was amazing – I loved the pool and the food was always delicious!!” Miranda Madgin, Fiji, July 2008
"There is not one thing I didn't enjoy. Just the whole package and the whole experience was amazing. I cannot put into words how much fun I have had. Good Times!" Anna Sharman Fiji 2009
"Quality! I loved getting to know the kids and will really miss most of them! It was a little stressful when left alone with kids who didn't understand much English (ie 5 year olds) but the teachers were really welcoming and helpful." Carys Scholefield Fiji 2009
"The process felt accessible, and any advice/information given was helpful and friendly. The project was everything I wanted and more. I felt the project had a massive impact on the community and that the children benefited greatly. The trip to the village and staying with a Fijian family, to experience a true Fijian lifestyle is one I'll never forget!" James Taylor Fiji 2009
"Definitely meeting lots of people and just having a real good time. Obviously coaching netball was a great experience that I really enjoyed but living in a house and mixing with other venturer's is the best bit. I did have the most incredible time in the village too and would suggest that everyone should experience village life at least 1 time during their stay. The people are incredible and have very little but are just so happy." Emily McNally Fiji 2009
"I came to Fiji not knowing what to expect and I've had the best experience. I feel like I've experienced all aspects of Fiji and Fijian life and would definitely recommend it to anyone. I think the project in Fiji provides the right balance between coaching, experiencing Fiji life and getting to know the other venturer's. Definitely the best thing I could have done! The experience has definitely made me realise that I'm capable of doing something completely different with my life" Helen Rowland 2009
"Just had the best 3 months of my life! Mainly due to the people but it has been amazing! I definitely have made the most of my experience, I have met the most amazing people and really experienced Fiji to its fullest!" Sophie Haslam Fiji 2009
"Hiking with Pedro, cooking with our Fijian family and playing with the children (heads shoulders knees and toe!). Great opportunity to see the Real Fiji" Hannah Coe Fiji 2009
"Nakavika village - a real cultural experience of how day to day life worked" Jack Beckett Fiji 2009
Nakavika village a true Fijian experience no brochure can do justice to" Andrew Hunter Fiji 2010
"The village, weather and Fijians were incredible! I had the most amazing time, made some good friends and memories that I will never forget. Seeing and experiencing the Fijian culture and how much sport means to everyone there has inspired me to make sport my career" Claire Owen Fiji 2010
"The trip has been really rewarding and enjoyable. The experience has developed my character and the whole journey will stay with me for many years" George Hunt 2010
"Best bits - the other Madventurers and the children because they have to much enthusiasm" Sarah Jones Fiji 2010
"Best bits - coaching the kids as it was a rewarding experience due to the evident improvement. I had such a great time and would love to do it again!" Tom Precey Fiji 2010
"Nakavika village experience the life of a villager was the best bit. Superb could not be any better! Life changing!" Anthony Brown Fiji 2010
"Meeting my "family" in Nakavika village for the first time was great, found the work rewarding. Met some great people, had lots of fun, grew to love Fiji! " Joseph Docherty 2010
"Visiting Nakavika village was a humbling and eye-opening experience to the real Fiji and allowed me to truely appreciate Fijian culture. In addition working in the schoool and interacting with the children aided and heightened my enjoyment of Fiji. Could not fault the crew, they were excellent and all people I came into contact with were friendly and welcoming. If it had been possible I certainly wanted to extend my stay" Catriona Lawson 2010
"Best bits - meeting the group of people in Fiji, small group more personal, enjoyed teaching as most children were very greateful and wanted to learn from you." Poppy Wilson 2010
"Nakavika village trip, was good to spend time away from the town and learn about the culture. Had a brilliant with the group!" Aimee Brooks 2010
"Spending time in the village experiencing real Fijian living. Was amazing!" Fay Pantry 2010
"Village life was a real experience, rewarding! Best bits - trying to milk a cow in the village" Patrick Hiscott 2010
"I really enjoyed my time in Fiji with Madventurer. I like the house, the people that I was with. I wish I had chosen to stay for longer than 4 weeks" Fiona Jones 2010
"The village experience was a fab start to the project, providing a real insight to the culture and a chance to get to know the group as well. Many happy memories!" Sarah Bramley 2010
"Best bits -Village trip great to experience the real Fiji. Learn about yourself too, teaching - the happiness on the kids faces when they see you" Hannah Brooks 2010
"Helping children and teachers, seeing the impact of the work we do and hoping what we do will help them. Benicifial and glad I did this! Will definately remember this for my whole life! Would recommend!" Laura Lilburn 2010
Email the Mad Team
Request a Mad brochure
MAD ABOUT FIJI:
POPULATION: 905,949
CAPITAL: Suva
FLY TO: Nadi International (NAN)
TIME DIFFERENCE: +12 hours GMT
MAJOR RELIGION: Christian
MAJOR LANGUAGES: English, Fijian, Hindustani
LOCAL CURRENCY: Fijian Dollar (FJD)
GEOGRAPHY NOTE: Fiji is made up of 332 islands; approximately 222 are uninhabited
DID YOU KNOW: Fiji’s national drink Kava, is said to induce euphoric feelings