OUR MISSION

Make a difference to the children of the Yasawa Islands and improve their educational outcomes with the help of voluntourism and donations.

The schools in the remote Yasawa Islands are under-resourced and the number of teachers available to teach at these schools is very low. The Vinaka Fiji program supports schools and teachers by assisting with classroom teaching (in English, based on the Fijian National curriculum) through classwork, literacy games, and educational activities. You will be involved in supporting students both inside the classroom and out.

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We work in three main areas to support the existing teaching resource available: Early Education, One-on-One Reading, Vocational. The age range of the students you will work with will vary from pre-schoolers right through to adult students who are returning to school to make the most of their opportunity for education.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Work with children, teenagers and young adults.

2. Spectacular island location.

3. Immerse yourself in the local culture.

4. Improve future prospects of the Yasawa children.

5. Varied educational roles.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The local council and provisional government have specifically requested our assistance with English language teaching, maths, sports education, and arts with the long-term aim to assist in teacher education and training. Working with the Yasawan community, this project provides the opportunity to be immersed in Fijian culture while supporting the locals through their education and improving their future prospects.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

These programs are attached to each village kindergarten and focus on children from 3.5 years to 5 years old. The aim is to encourage parents as partners in developing an understanding and appreciation of the value of their children attending school.

ONE-ON-ONE READING PROGRAMS

These valuable programs are established at both Naviti District School and Yasawa High School. The aim is to improve learning outcomes for students who are significantly below the national average in literacy.

VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Yasawa High School has partnered with Vinaka Fiji to establish two areas of vocational studies and we work together to plan, implement and assess the programs. Each program is a one-year course:

1. Agriculture

2. Marine Studies

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

As opportunities to extend and expand on the three main programs above arise, we often provide additional programs such as:

1. School holidays programs (held at villages).

2. Development learning environments.

3. Professional learning.

4. Education for adults/mature students.

5. Alternative wet weather programs.

ACCOMMODATION

Barefoot Manta Island Resort or similar resort

ROOM TYPE

Dorm or single, double, triple and quad share bures

PICK UP/DROP OFF

Coach pick up and drop off are included in the package from/to most Denarau, Nadi, and Wailoaloa hotels/resorts and Nadi International Airport

Voluntourism work takes place Monday to Friday with the weekends left free to roam and explore the Yasawa Islands. 

6.30AM

Rise and shine to another beautiful day in Fiji's Yasawa Islands. Tuck in to a hearty breakfast with your fellow volunteers before getting ready to depart.

8.00AM

Depart base camp in a longboat bound for a local school to spend the day helping the children of the Yasawa region

12.30PM

Lunch will be provided and served by the villagers where your school is located or will be sent with you, packed by your base camp resort.

3.00PM

Your longboat will arrive to transfer you back to base camp where there will be enough time for a swim, a shower and some time to relax and unwind before dinner.

7.00PM

Dinner is served in the resorts dining area which is a great time to connect with your fellow volunteers as well as other resort guests. A social, fun atmosphere in which to share your days' experiences. 

• All prices are per person. Double/twin/triple/quad rates are per person, booking and sharing the same room/bure and all bookings must be for 10 people or more.

• As most voluntourists choose to stay and travel around Fiji for a period before or after their voluntourism program, they should all enter the country on a 'Visitor/Tourist Visa' which can be obtained for a period of up to 3 months. There is currently no specific visa for volunteers in Fiji and as volunteering is NOT considered work under Fiji's immigration requirements, you do not need a work visa. 

• Itineraries can be custom-built to include your choice of volunteer categories.

• If for whatever reason the hotels/resorts included in this package are unavailable at the time of booking, then an alternative hotel/resort of the same standard will be provided.

• The compulsory donation amount that is added to your package rate helps to purchase and source materials to support Vinaka Fiji. These include tools, equipment, agricultural suppliers like seedlings and chicks, materials for construction, water tanks, school books, and learning aids. 

• Bed linen is provided however you will need to bring all other linen including towels and toiletries. A laundry service is available for a small fee.

• To participate in the Children, Schools, and Education package you must have a Police Clearance Check or 'Working with Children' check from your country of residence. Copies must be provided along with your completed Registration Form at least two weeks prior to commencement on the program