Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Volunteering as a young female Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
tuliptea 09:26 UTC 25 Aug 2011 | Hi all! I will finish year 12 this year and wanted to spend 'schoolies' volunteering in ideally Fiji (been there before and found it safe/ friendly) helping at schools or any other projects needing assistance. Has anyone done anything like this who wouldn't mind shedding some light on their experience etc? I am looking for something short term (no more than a month) as I need to be back for uni. I feel too intrusive contacting the schools directly, but is it appropiate to do so? Thanks! -Emma |
peter_n_margaret 20:58 UTC 25 Aug 2011 | Hi Emma. Margaret and I are working full time (for 2 years) in a daycare centre (3 - 6 year olds) in Lautoka for 2 years through Australian Volunteers International. The only way you could do what you propose would be unoficially as a tourist. The authorities are concerned that volunteers also have the potential to put local people out of work. You should also be aware that living and working conditions in Fiji are nothing like the tourist blurb suggests. Fiji is a country of poverty and things are pretty tough for most. I see no reason why you should not contact schools direct. Most need and will gratefully accept any help that they can get, but it may not be the experience that you expect. Cheers, Peter | 1
kumarcatherine1 21:45 UTC 07 Sep 2011 | Hi Emma, Bula! I saw your post and thought I would inform you that we do just what you are looking for...have a look at our website www.buildabridgevolunteerfiji.org - As a matter of fact I am in the process of updating our website to accept schoolies, but you must be 17 years old at the time of volunteering. You can email me on admin@buildabridgevolunteerfiji.org for more information. We will take all the hassles out for you - all you need to do is bring yourself here and we will take care of you whilst you are in Fiji. I look forward to hearing from you. Vinaka! Cathy | 2
peter_n_margaret 21:48 UTC 09 Sep 2011 | Bulla Cathy. Tell us, what do you provide for this $2,500 (plus) fee that you charge. Cheers, Peter | 3