Tropical Dreams and Volunteer Schemes:
My Fiji Adventure with IVHQ
Bula Vinaka!
If you're looking for an exciting way to experience Fiji, volunteering through International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ) is an excellent option. I was blessed got be able to spent two months on the gorgeous island, from October 2018 to December 2018, and it was one of my best life experiences thus far.
During my first seven weeks, I worked on a construction and renovation project at a school in Taciura, a small village near Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, one of Fiji’s beautiful national parks. Every day, I woke up to stunning views that were simply jaw-dropping. I distinctly remember where a rainbow formed over us one day, extending into the treetops of Colo-I-Suva. It was so beautiful that I wish I could find videos of it to share. All of the volunteers were left in awe. The kids seen how moved we were by the rainbow, they took us to the best look out point from the school yard. Just meters away from the back of the buildings, lays a cliff drop off point, that opens to the view of the forest. Never knew how much more pretty a rainbow is up close.
The kids at the school were amazing. Such gracious, wholesome, loving souls. Every single morning, we were met and blessed with good morning hugs, kisses and love. Then the lovely little beings would escort us, hand in hand, to our respective classrooms. Once school was in session, the volunteers and I would fetch some bush leaves and make tea. I knew I like tea before, but the process of picking your own leaves and making tea hit differently. No tea experience has ever been the same since. Once done, we spent our days breaking down and rebuilding classrooms with proper safety procedures and regulations. I was even award the opportunity to hand paint a mural on the walkway wall, after my mentors discovered I was an artist. I kept it simple and sweet. A mural of the beautiful island itself, along with the flag. I wanted to make the kids played a part, bc they kept begging to help out. So Everyone who wanted to, hand a chance to add their own little touch to complete the piece. Just over 4 years later, I often wonder if it’s still there.
Throughout the day, the kids would come check on us and play. Occasionally putting on a show for us signing. We would do the same, peeking out heads through the open classroom doors, doing anything to catch this attention. Only when we knew we wouldn't be distracting them from learning, and it was and ok time to play. In the mornings, before the school bell rung, afternoon’s during lunch and after school dismissal, the yard was always filled with laughter and joy, from every angle. Not even the rain could stop the children’s bliss. Even the teachers were out on the field with all of us. We played tag, dodge ball, volleyball, catch, rugby, kickball along with a couple of traditional games to the island. For one week, the NRL’s Transformer team came out and spent time with the kids and us. it was tons of fun. Being that rugby is Fiji’s main sport, the kids really enjoyed the rugby team volunteering.
The school itself was not in the best condition, hence why we were there to help rebuild. Despite the hazardous or traumatic environments these children had to endure, both at school and in their homes, these little munchkins were the happiest individuals I had ever met. Fijians, as a whole, are some of the most happy, relaxed souls I've ever come across. So gracious, loving, and respectful, all they want to do is bring you into their homes and make you family. I met so many locals, had some great conversations. Even made some friends along the way. were we check in on each other periodically. I would love to reconnect with each of them in person. It would be cool if they could travel here and I should them around my home. But at some point, I will make my way back to Fiji, as beautiful as it is. All 333 islands and counting. As they say, “the beaches are so diverse, each distinct from the next. Every island has its own personality that you should get to know.”
With school having ended and summer official started, for my last week of volunteering, I spent time teaching at a summer camp in a different village. The camp consisted of children ages 3-18 who all lived in this village. The ride up to the village was incredible, driving through different terrains and villages along the island and ending up in what seemed like a magical hidden world, tucked perfectly within a huge grove of trees, in the middle of an open field. I believe the ride was roughly about 30mins, so each day I got a chance to really take in the views and experience. The village itself was heavily communal, every person held love and care for one another. Every child belonged to every adult. Everyone is one big happy family.
When it came to lesson planning at the summer camp, most of the curriculum was based on topics IVHQ selected, and we, as teachers, took our time to plan the lessons the evening before. Since it was summer, there wasn't traditional class based learning. Instead, our lessons were hands-on, experiential, and fun. Especially for my group, with them be the youngest, aged 5-8. They loved me, swore up and down I was famous, and some how knew Obama. I miss them often, and wonder how they’ve each grown and matured over the past 4 years. While the young ones were engaged and active, most of the older kids would hang out around the village, go to the beach or watch over the 3 and under babies. Being that school had recently ended and they had freedom to do as they please, they weren’t into learning much. But by the end of the week, we had everyone joining in - adults, teens, and kids alike - especially when it came time to teach them a dance each day. No one could deny the feeling in their soul to groove.
After exploring the village, having dance parties, spending time with the kids, and having the ultimate fun, it was finally time to say our goodbyes. Sadly, about half of us volunteers would end up leaving and return home over the weekend, so it was really an emotional moment. The last officially hoorah with the kids. It took forever for us to leave, let alone get in the van. No one wanted to go. We took tons of pictures, shared hugs, danced and said goodbye. Once in the van, the kids kept sticking their hands in the windows and we stuck ours out, for one last embrace. As the van pulled off and tears fell, all you can hear and see was a crowd of kids chasing and hitting the van, screaming and yelling “We love you!” “Don’t leave!” “Please come back!” “Promise you’ll never forget us!” Definitely one of the most difficult car rides I ever had to endure.
Being that this was my first international trip I was underprepared in terms of money, but still managed to have a wonderful time exploring the island with my fellow volunteers. Even ventured off on a few weekend excursion over the course of the trip. Most of the time, I’d travel to Fiji’s capital, Suva or the local mall. We usually travelled. in groups, wether 3 or the whole team. Being that IVHQ allso you to select how many weeks you want to stay, there were people constantly coming and leaving the program. Was dope to meet other young teens and adults, traveling and giving back at sure young ages. In fact, I was actually one of the youngest there at the time
One of the first excursions we took as a group lead us to an unbelievable view. We decided to take a causal hike through Colo-I-Suva National Park and meet a local who wanted to show us a hidden gem. After walking for what seemed like over an hr, on paths lite by slivers of light seeping through the trees, we came up on a small swing bridge. Once across, the trees opened up to a beautiful water fall and natural pool. Tree swings and cliff jumps surrounding. As we mingled w the locals and had fun, at one point a gentleman riding his horse appeared at the top of the cliff, overlooking us. The way they illuminated by the sun, was so magical. Hours later on the way home, we learnt how Fijians dispose of their garbage ever night. Huge bonfires all across the island. Pretty cool seeing fire so contained and handled as it destroyed all things in its path. Even at night, the island was still lit and blooming with life.
As noted earlier, I didn’t have some weekend getaway trips. Having the opportunity to explore beyond the immediate area, including visiting the Fiji Beachouse in Korolevu about 1.5hr away, taking a 2hour drive up the coast to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park in Yadua, and even driving 4 hours back to Nadi to spend time with friends before their departure. While each excursion had its own unique experiences, I was particularly taken back by the breathtaking views of the sand dunes meeting South Pacific Ocean, the very first time I have ever seen and touch clear water. The warmth and hospitality of the locals we met along the way made the experience even more memorable. Despite being underprepared at the outset, the traveler learned valuable lessons and came away with unforgettable experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. The experience was so rich and fulfilling, forever grateful for the experience.
There are so many wonderful stories and experience I couldn’t fit into this post. However, I will forever be grateful and thankful for the opportunity and experience. I want to make a habit of volunteering out the country at least once a year. Along with traveling several times a year. I know it’s apart of my soul calling. Can’t wait to see where the winds take me next
In conclusion, volunteering through IVHQ in Fiji was an incredible experience. I met amazing people, saw breathtaking scenery, and made lifelong memories. If you're looking for a unique way to experience a different culture and give back to the world, I highly recommend volunteering with IVHQ in Fiji, or anywhere in the world for that matter.
*I lost alot of footage and imagery over the years, with it being now 2023, but these photos of the school kids managed to stand the test of time*