Community Construction and Renovation

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Create unforgettable bonds with Fijian locals.
  • Experience the wonderful local Fijian culture
  • Physically see the worthwhile contribution you are making to local communities

Highlights

  • Create unforgettable bonds with Fijian locals.
  • Experience the wonderful local Fijian culture
  • Physically see the worthwhile contribution you are making to local communities
  • Meet incredible likeminded volunteers and form lifelong friends
  • Visit stunning locations around the islands in your free time


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Support local communities by bringing your creativity and physical labour to build new structures for children and local communities to improve their quality of life.

    Construction & renovation, school rebuilding, cyclone rebuilding.  Work along side local tradesman and help to refurbish worn down community structures or build new structures.  No specialist skills are required, however tradespeople of all types (carpentry, plumbing, building, laborers, ...

    About the program

    Construction & renovation, school rebuilding, cyclone rebuilding.  Work along side local tradesman and help to refurbish worn down community structures or build new structures.  No specialist skills are required, however tradespeople of all types (carpentry, plumbing, building, laborers, electricians etc) are in high demand!  

    Many of the schools in the area simply do not have funds for renovation work and as a result, classrooms, libraries and community areas are worn down and uninviting. Through the help from international volunteers, we help re-build and beautify community structures providing positive energy and vibrancy for the locals.  In many areas of Fiji, thousands of families live in inadequate accommodation and children attend school in crumbling buildings. Our construction project allows them to move to new, better quality homes and for the children to receive an education in secure, new classrooms.    

    Developing infrastructure for the local community is an amazing way to give back to the Fiji locals directly benefiting them and improving their quality of life. Volunteers will mainly assist in renovating parks, playgrounds, classrooms, kindergartens and other community centers with some supervision and assistance of local tradesmen.


    Location

    Coral Coast is noted as the ‘adventure capital of Fiji’ and is located about 1 hour from Suva and 1 hour from Nadi. It is known for it’s incredibly beautiful coast line, tourist beaches and resorts and heaps of activities from 4 wheel drive tours, shark feeding, surfing, rivers & waterfalls, golf etc and is home to the famous Bega lagoon and bega fire walkers. Sigatoka is the gateway to the Coral coast and home to several of our projects.


    Project Tasks

    Plan out daily projects with the local team

    Work on building and renovation projects with local skilled workers

    Paint, deorate and make nicer living environments for the community


    Typical day

    Monday

    On Monday, after breakfast, you will begin project planning with the coordinator assigned to you. After planning the project and receiving the necessary information, you can have lunch and then leave to work at the community location. After you have completed your work for the day, you can ...

    Typical day

    Monday

    On Monday, after breakfast, you will begin project planning with the coordinator assigned to you. After planning the project and receiving the necessary information, you can have lunch and then leave to work at the community location. After you have completed your work for the day, you can return to the center and participate in a meeting to provide feedback on your first day at your placement.

    Tuesday to Friday

    Your day will start earlier than usual. You will be taken to our project site and given specific tasks for the day. A coordinator will guide you throughout the project. After lunch, you will continue with construction and renovation activities at the community location.

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

    *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 


    Free-time activities

    Fiji's landscape is incredible and in their free time volunteers are encouraged to explore beaches and go snorkeling or scuba diving,  visit the sand dunes, or mountains and rivers at Kila Eco Adventure Park. Going into main towns and shopping for souvenirs and interacting with locals is an ...

    Free-time activities

    Fiji's landscape is incredible and in their free time volunteers are encouraged to explore beaches and go snorkeling or scuba diving,  visit the sand dunes, or mountains and rivers at Kila Eco Adventure Park. Going into main towns and shopping for souvenirs and interacting with locals is an incredible experience, you'll find in Fiji there's always a voice singing! Volunteers also have unique opportunities to participate in Kava ceremonies that are integral to the Fijian culture.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteers with trade skills are in high demand on the island and are encouraged to apply.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Whats Included

    • Arrival  airport transfer
    • 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
    • Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
    • Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
    • Training & supervision as required
    • Use of necessary equipment incl construction materials
    • Local construction supervision
    • 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
    • Touring & excursions as per itinerary
    • Certificate of Completion 

    Airport Pickup at Nadi International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Nadi International Airport (NAN). You must arrive between 06:00 to 18:00 on either the Saturday or Sunday. There is an extra fee for Saturday night accommodation. 

    If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

    If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

    From Nadi International Airport to your accommodation by road (taxi or bus) it takes 1 hour & 30 minutes. 

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is in a dedicated house for volunteers with shared bedrooms 4-6 persons per room (single gender rooms). Living with other volunteers in a dormitory-style house is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travellers. The volunteer houses are in close proximity to a basic supermarkets, ATM, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, petrol stations and bus stop.

    The bathrooms are shared with western style toilets and cold showers. The accommodation is equipped with free Wi-Fi which volunteers are able to use. Laundry services are available for a small fee. Bed linen and fans are provided. We recommend volunteers bring their own towel. The rooms are lockable and there are also safety deposit boxes available.

    *For couples, families or those wanting more privacy, we reccommend a private room, which is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

    *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


    Food & Beverages

    Meals are served at the volunteer house 3 times per day during the week; breakfast and dinner only are served during the weekends. There is also filtered water available at the volunteer center.  Bottled water is readily available in Fiji.  If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.  

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program runs weekly starting on the Monday, volunteers are recommended to arrive the weekend before.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 947€
    2 weeks 1,356€
    3 weeks 1,864€
    4 weeks 2,373€
    8 weeks 4,408€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 6,443€
    Average fees 741€/week

    Program fees

    741€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Lauren

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


    WHO WE ARE

    Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

    We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

    SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
    All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

    Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

    AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
    As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

    We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

    The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

    In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

    SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
    With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

    All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

    Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

    Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

    SUPPORT

    From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

    On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

    FUN!
    Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

    GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

    204 reviews · rating4.7

    What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...
    The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
    What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
    I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
    There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
    hannah rupp rating5

    2024 at Primary Teaching Support

    I had such a great time in Zanzibar. The accommodation is really good, it’s clean, you have a very sweet balcony and the bedrooms are good. Also the roommates and coordinators are were really nice 🥰 I really enjoyed my time at the school and I loved to work with the kids 🥰 I made so many ...

    Location

    Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Suva & Coral Coast

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    Contact Lauren
      Excellent response rate
    English

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