Volunteer Abroad in Fiji working with children; International volunteer work in Fiji working with children

 

Fiji: Volunteer Care Work with Children

Care in Fiji

Volunteering on a Care project in Fiji is an ideal way to get involved with the local community of this fascinating island. Whether you are on a gap year, summer placement, or career break we will arrange a great project for you.

Volunteers with specific qualifications and experience are welcome, though you don’t need either to join us as a Care volunteer. All we ask is that you bring energy, passion, and commitment to the placement.

Volunteer Work in Kindergartens and with Children who have Special Needs

The Fijian islands in the South Pacific are home to a courteous, sincere people with ancient traditions. However, Fiji is facing increased poverty as more people move from villages to cities centers.

Care volunteer in Fiji Our Care placements are based in and around Nadi, which is located on the east coast of Viti Levu. Most volunteers work at kindergartens, though there are also opportunities to volunteer in either an orphanage or center for children with learning disabilities. Please let us know if you have a preference on your application so we can place you according to your skills and interest.

The class sizes are large at the kindergartens so it’s difficult for local staff to give each child as much attention as they need. Volunteers working here will be able to provide a helping hand by looking after and caring for the children. It is also the perfect opportunity to put any skills and interests you have to use, whether you make arts and crafts, or teach games and songs to the children - your suggestions will be well received. By showing initiative and enthusiasm the options are endless.

Projects Abroad also works with a day care center for children who have learning disabilities. Volunteers at this placement provide the children with extra care and attention they require, which can be challenging yet extremely rewarding. Your specific schedule will be decided with your supervisor when you arrive and will be based on your interests and experience.

Volunteers normally live with a host family that is either walking distance or a short bus ride from their project.

Volunteering abroad on a Care Project in Fiji

Playing with the kids In whichever Care project in Fiji you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. It is in your role as a volunteer - spending time with the children, playing with them and putting a smile on their face - that you will learn how your help impacts those you work with. Whether you’re taking a group out for a trip to the beach, helping with homework, playing a game, or reading a story to the younger ones, you will be an essential part of the children’s development.

The majority of care centers and kindergartens in Fiji have a vacation period from the beginning of December to the end of January. Volunteers working during this time will be at a kindergarten with children who still attend during the holiday period. Additional activities will also be arranged such as teaching sports or painting a kindergarten.

This project is available for two weeks if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for short term volunteering for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain a valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone volunteering for a longer period.