Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Ever volunteered in the South Pacific? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
ahbentorieux 02:30 UTC 23 Nov 2005 | Hello. I am looking for a volunteering opportunity on any of the South Pacific countries, probably for March and/or April 2006. I am pretty easy as to what kind of work I'd do. Has anybody ever volunteered there? Any info is much appreciated. |
jeaniej 03:21 UTC 24 Nov 2005 | My daughter organised to do some work with the World Wildlife Fund in Fiji a couple of years ago. She was only 15 at the time, but wanted to do some something different while we were staying in Fiji. Contact WWF South Pacific at WWFSP Depending on where you will be, it may also be worthwhile contacting the University of South Pacific regarding any projects they may be conducting throughout the region. They may be looking for volunteers to help, particularly in the marine science or environmental science areas. USP You would need to be self-funded for both these organisations, though. Good luck. | 1
watsoff 11:15 UTC 24 Nov 2005 | You might try contacting Kastom Gaden in Honiara, Solomon Islands, part of Terra Circle in Australia. There is a web site but the link isn't working at the moment. They're (or were, probably still are) part of the Seed Planting network. I did some volunteer stuff at Kastom Gaden in 2002. If you can't get anywhere with the link, PM me and I will PM you the mailing address and contact person's name. When the site is working it's at http://www.terracircle.org.au/ | 2
jeaniej 03:21 UTC 27 Nov 2005 | Watsoff's advice also reminded me of another group that may have voluntary options for you in the Pacific. The Seed Savers Network is a fantastic organisation based in Byron Bay, Australia, that has links throughout the world. You can find more info at Seed Savers | 3
missy518 15:49 UTC 29 Nov 2005 | I've been to PNG twice (short stays)...There are heaps of volunteers there. I meet people really dissappointed with the experience, others whom where amazingly sad to leave and others have stayed for 30 years. Volunteering can be a wounderfuly, cultural and eye opening experience (for some). I loved it. My advise RESERCH Get to know what you are going into, look for a company or org that offer good induction then look for more info, if your going into any currancy/ allowance arrangements do the reserch and understand what the price is where you are going to for the things that you think are important, get ready for food challanges (chilli sauce in PNG is pretty handy if you like flavour) and most of all embrace the difference, that made my experience such that I want to go back. Good luck. Missy | 4