Volunteering in the Fiji Islands!
Transcription
Volunteering in the Fiji Islands!
Welcome to... n i g n i r e e t n u l o V ! s d n a l s I i j i F e th tiful Yasawa Islands! Your guide to your volunteer experience in the beau Remote island villages + 1 week to 3 months + suitable for all ages combined volunteer / holiday options Our story t s u r T i ij F a k a in V e h T Fiji’s Yasawa Islands are home to 27 villages living below world standards of health and poverty. The Vinaka Fiji Trust was set up to give something back to the villagers and to say “thank you (vinaka), for welcoming us into your islands.” Remote, rugged and majestically beautiful, the Yasawa Islands were largely isolated until Awesome Adventures Fiji took their maiden voyage into the island group in 2002. The daily ferry service gave travellers from around the globe access to these islands, an area of Fiji that - at first glance - is ‘paradise’. The team at Awesome worked closely with local village chiefs and communities to ensure they would not displace the islanders’ way of life, and to make sure the changes they brought to the Yasawas would be beneficial, not detrimental, to the locals. Very quickly, it became obvious to Awesome that in reality, the villagers live far from the ‘paradise’ that first meets the eye. In fact, the villagers struggle from day to day with immense shortages of clean drinking water, little to no health services or facilities, poor nutrition, a lack of educational support and supplies, inadequate power and no sustainable way of life for the future. Awesome Adventures assisted, guided and gave back to the villages where possible, however it was soon concluded that a more focussed and dedicated approach was needed. So, in 2010, the Vinaka Fiji Trust was established to formalise and further the work and economic assistance already provided by Awesome Adventures Fiji. The name ‘Vinaka Fiji’ was chosen to reflect the two-way nature of the relationship between those who operate and assist the Trust, and the people of the Yasawas whose work it benefits. Each by their actions is inherently saying “Thank you” (“Vinaka”). The Trust works directly with the Yasawa Island communities so that the villagers are involved in determining their needs, participate in the planning and implementation and share responsibility for completion of the projects embarked upon. “ Visitors from around the world get so much delight in exploring the Yasawas. This is a way for travellers to say ‘thank you’ and give something back to the locals. Help make these islands a paradise for them too.” Vinaka Fiji Manager Making a difference... About us Through fundraising and volunteering programs, Vinaka Fiji aims to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities, often taken for granted in modern society, yet missing from village life in the Yasawas. Everything we do is in close consultation with the Yasawa Ratus (chiefs), administrators and headmen in each village to establish what is needed to achieve an improvement in living conditions. We also have a strong relationship with the Ba Provincial Government to ensure they are informed of the work we do. Our Mission The Trust aims to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities for villages throughout the Yasawa Islands. It seeks to do this both through direct aid and by acting as a facilitator, bringing those who can help together with the landowners and residents. Volunteering Volunteering is all about giving something back and making a difference. If a holiday in Fiji, combined with the opportunity to lend a helping hand to people in need sounds like you, then Vinaka Fiji volunteering will be a highlight of your travel experience. Volunteering with us means that you’ll work alongside locals and other volunteers in specialised projects. The focus is on helping the villages achieve access to basic needs in life including water, power, nutrition, education and sustainability. All areas of development are designed to have low environmental impact, with environmental sustainability a key to the future. Our key areas of focus are: Create solutions that support sustainable, self sufficient communities Achieve and maintain access to clean, reliable sources of water Develop ‘micro enterprises’ based around nutrition, including food crops and education Support local schools with education supplies and aid Assist with ideas, information and solutions for power sources Research and educate on the management and value of the marine environment “ We don’t want to become relied upon. Our commitment is to assist Yasawa communities to become fully sustainable and self-supporting, as well as be educated in how to lift themselves out of the poverty cycle.” Roger Dold, Chairman of Vinaka Fiji In the Yasawa Islands Life on the job You’d be hard-pressed to find a more stunning location to work, in terms of both the scenery and the people. The Yasawa villagers are known for their ear-to-ear smiles, their cheerful ‘Bula’ welcome and their warm, friendly nature. Where you’ll be based... ...Yasawa Islands, Fiji Our volunteering programs are based in the remote Yasawa Island group, consisting of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands. Crystal-clear lagoons surround the pristine white sandy beaches and the northern islands are home to the famous Blue Lagoon. “ I just can’t describe how amazing this experience was. Stunning location, gorgeous people and a fantastic a feeling of lending a hand where it’s needed! I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!” Volunteer - Ingrid, Stockholm, Sweden Where you’ll stay Base Camp Barefoot Island Lodge is the Base for our volunteers. The resort is situated between two beaches at spectacular Drawaqa Island. One of the beaches overlooks a breathtaking lagoon boasting a large channel formed by coral gardens where majestic manta rays come to feed. After all we want to push how amazing base is as an experience on top of the volunteering experience . Rooms Set amongst mature trees, just a few steps from the beach, are the Standard Double/Twin Bures and Dorms with shared bathrooms and facilities. Safari-tent-style Deluxe Bures with ensuite bathrooms are also available as an upgrade. All rooms are serviced daily. Bed linen is provided however, you will need to bring all towels and toiletries. There is a basic laundry service available for a small fee. Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your program cost. Meals are a social scene, with both volunteers and resort guests dining in a communal setting. Weekends at your leisure Each program begins and ends on a Saturday, with volunteer work carried out Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are enjoyed at your leisure. Relaxation is big in Fiji, but if you’re in the mood there are incredible activities available throughout the Yasawas including some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving, hiking, local villages to visit, cultural activities, hand-line fishing, visits to caves… even swimming with manta rays depending on the season! Sunday is typically a ‘day of rest’ in Fiji so supervised activities are limited, but volunteers are always welcome to attend the traditional Village Church Service - generally a very moving experience. Why choose Vinaka Fiji? Help develop vital resources Vinaka Fiji Volunteering is part of the The Yasawa Trust Foundation. Our goal is to give the people of the Yasawas the skills, knowledge and materials for a future where they no longer require assistance, but can be self-sufficient and fully sustainable. Our work is vital We know what is needed in the Yasawa Island villages and we also know what is wanted. We don’t want to take the approach of commanding a new way of life for the villagers, as we believe that sustainability is all about securing the future and also in keeping the culture and relaxed way of life intact. An additional 250,000 litres of drinking water has been made available through efficiency improvements and repairs. In order to do this properly and sensitively, we work closely with the Yasawa villagers, so that they may help determine the needs, participate in the planning and implementation and share responsibility for completion of the projects embarked upon. We have a strong tri-way partnership made up of representatives from Government, the Yasawa villages and Vinaka Fiji. Where your money goes The fee for the volunteer programs covers your accommodation, transfers, meals and project costs. The Trust also raises funds for village projects through donations made by each volunteer as well as donations from Awesome Adventures Fiji, companies, organisations and individuals. It remains a key principle of the Trust that the majority of the funds raised will be spent on the delivery of specific field projects. The small percentage that does not go directly to these projects instead goes towards administration costs, such as the recruitment of new volunteers. It is important that our efforts remain cost neutral. Help develop vital resources for these guys More than just a vacation Volunteer Programs “ The impact of having volunteers here has changed our mind set of how we use water. It has helped having the work coordinated; the village boys are working with the volunteers. I would like to thank you very much for this, I didn’t dream this would happen here.” Ratu Apenisa Sivo Vunikoro, Naisisili Chief lams These baby c have a future thanks to our aring nursery and c volunteers. Vinaka Fiji’s volunteering programs cover key areas of need, from helping children learn, to planting crops, installing water tanks or working in baby clam nurseries. Program length is flexible, from 1 to 26 weeks, and the range of opportunities to help means there is something for everyone. Children, Schools & Education Volunteering The remote schools in the Yasawas are under-resourced and the number of teachers available to teach at these schools is very low. The Vinaka Fiji Volunteering Program – Education, supports schools and teachers by assisting with classroom teaching based on the Fijian National curricular, through classwork, literacy games and educational activities. You will be involved supporting students both inside the class and out. We have identified three main areas for support: 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 • Work with children, teenagers and young adults • Spectacular island location • Immerse yourself in the local culture • Improve future prospects • Varied educational roles HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS The local council and provisional government has 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 Indigenous Yasawa community, this project provides the opportunity to be immersed in Fijian culture whilst supporting locals through their education and improving their future prospects. Yasawa High School, together with Vinaka Fiji, have established four areas of vocational studies and work together to plan, implement and assess the programs. Each program is a two year course and each student is expected to choose two courses from four areas of study: 1. Tailoring and catering 2. Carpentry and joinery 3. Agriculture 4. Marine studies EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS ADDITIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS Our Areas of Focus: These programs are attached to each village kindergarten and focus on children from birth to four 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 in both Yasawa Primary School and Yasawa High School. The aim is to improve learning outcomes for students who are significantly below the national average in literacy. As opportunities to extend and expand on the three main programs above arise, we also often provide additional programs such as: School holidays program Development learning environments Professional learning Education for adults/mature students Alternative wet weather programs Health and children with additional needs programs Creating Sustainable Communities Volunteering Become part of a village community and work alongside local people on a range of community projects. The projects are focused on improving basic living conditions and aimed at achieving sustainability. This program assists in several critical initiatives including developments to improve access to sufficient fresh water through rainwater harvesting solutions, education of communities in resource management, environmental initiatives, sustainable agriculture practices and assisting in the set up of micro enterprises. The goals and priorities of this program are assessed regularly and set in conjunction with village community consultation and the resources available. generation initiatives. Our goal is aligned to the World Health Organizations Millennium Development Goal of “all people having access to 5 liters of drinking water per person per day”. As a volunteer, you’ll also be helping to construct vegetable gardens, assisting in introducing diversity in crop planting, and building an awareness of the need for crop rotation. You’ll also be assisting in establishing chicken coops in the villages with a view to egg production supplementing the diets of the villagers, and perhaps increasing production with a view to selling eggs to the local resorts. Its about working towards sustainability. Many villages in the Yasawa Islands do not have access to a constant supply of fresh water and lack sustainable sources of income in part due to this fact. Volunteers help with this initiative through planning, hands on construction of rainwater collection systems, water capacity management, tracking and education. In addition we establish water management committees in each village so after a project is completed they are left with the responsibility for ongoing management of the new infrastructure and supply. HIGHLIGHTS Become part of a village community Assist villages with the means to live sustainably Implement projects to provide villages with fresh drinking water Work alongside local villagers HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE One of our primary goals is to secure a fresh water supply for all 27 villages in this region. This is being accomplished through construction projects and local education. Seasonal rainfall and a lack of natural reservoirs are responsible for drinking water shortages and we aim to implement and promote alternative water sources and income Marine Research and Conservation Volunteering Comprising over 300 islands, 4,000 square miles of reefs and 1,500 species of sea life, there are plenty of reasons to volunteer on Marine Research and Conservation programs in Fiji! Take the opportunity to learn to scuba dive, or extend your skills in this incredible marine environment of the Yasawa Islands. Then take your new skills and begin conducting underwater surveys in the warm, turquoise waters of the Pacific. Visit traditional villages and get to know the community, meet the headmen and children, and support their learning about environmental marine conservation and fishing practices. Information and data from our programs is provided to: Manta Trust, Fiji Fisheries, University of South Pacific, Marine Ecology Fiji & GCRMN (Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network). We have a highly experienced team of staff leading international volunteers working on collecting data that is provided for research projects assisting in the protection of endangered marine-life. Data is also used to establish Marine Protected Areas that will provide long term benefits to the local community and help guarantee food security for future generations. Participating in this program you will be involved in one of or several of the following: • Manta Ray Research – observation, identification, behavioral studies and habitat analysis through daily swimming and snorkeling with these magnificent creatures • Reef Check Fiji – providing insight to the health of a particular reef through diving and snorkeling observation, photographing and recording of data • Crown of Thorn Seastar (COTS) Watch – monitoring and management of a devastating predator to coral reefs • Coral and clam nursery. Clams filter the water and keep it ‘clean’ which is essential for coral growth. You’ll contribute to part of a nationwide program to re-introduce and disperse clams including the giant clam Tridacna gigas throughout Fiji • Marine biodiversity database Fiji – tracking existing and new species • Habitat mapping - providing in-depth information into the layout and composition of the reef Assist the educational program through teaching sustainable reef practices and teaching snorkelling skills. Participants will also record information on sharks, rays, turtles and cetaceans spotted during their stay and also periodically other species identified on the endangered lists of Fiji to support protection efforts by the Coral Reef Allowance and Fiji Fisheries. Scuba Diving Requirements: You will spend time on this expedition both snorkelling and scuba diving and as such you need to be qualified to at least Open Water Level. Non-divers can join the program following completion of a diver training training program with Reef Safari in Fiji, that will certify you up to an Open Water Level. * NOTES FOR MARINE PROGRAM 1) Volunteers must be Certified Divers to participate in the Program. A full training and certification course (approx 5 days) is available in Fiji prior to your Volunteer Weeks 2) Volunteer Weeks include all dive and snorkel gear. Work & then play Extra activities One of the South Pacific’s most stunning regions, the Yasawas consists of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands. The pristine white sandy beaches and dramatic rock formations are surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons, which are home to world-class diving and snorkelling spots. You simply must explore their beauty! Travel the Yasawas with Awesome Adventures Fiji Awesome Adventures Fiji offers a fantastic range of options for exploring the Yasawa Islands. You can book a ‘Fiji Island Escape’ and chill at one resort for as long as you like (there are more than 20 resorts to choose from!), or you can island hop where and when you like with a ‘Bula Pass’. There are a selection of packages available, which feature a fantastic range of resorts and the region’s best activities. Or if you like it your way, you can Build Your Own Adventure. Vinaka Fiji Volunteers receive a 10% discount on travel with Awesome Adventures Fiji Just chill with Blue Lagoon Cruises This is the perfect way to relax. When you board Blue Lagoon Cruises in the Yasawas, all you need to do is sit back, and unwind as you watch the scenic views slide past from the comfort of your deck chair! Fiji Princess is ‘boutique small ship cruising’ she sails a maximum of 4 hours per day. The rest of the time is spent anchored in the most spectacular, pristine and remote bays, soaking up the sun, swimming, snorkelling and lazing on the beach! Itineraries range from 3 to 7 days and offer an unforgettable experience! Vinaka Fiji Volunteers receive a 10% discount on travel with Blue Lagoon Cruises Bula Welcome & Moce Departure Packs Arriving and departing Fiji is a breeze with Awesome Adventures Fiji’s ‘Bula Fiji Welcome Pack’ and ‘Moce Fiji Departure Pack’. These packs make things nice and easy for you on your first and last nights in Fiji. It means you can sleep easy on the plane, knowing you’ve got your accommodation booked, transfers to and from the airport organised as well as transfers to/from your mainland accommodation to Denarau Marina: the gateway to the Yasawa Islands! For more information visit awesomefiji.com & bluelagooncruises.com BULA! MO C E! aw a TAVEWA NACULA NANUYA LAILAI MATACAWALEVU Ya s ur Hang with yo s new buddie Isl an ds Make the most of being in this incredible part of the world, and add on some travel pre or post your volunteering program. Combining a holiday and volunteering is an enormously rewarding way to experience the Yasawas and the Fijian people. YAQETA NAVITI BASE Camp DRAWAQA WAYA WAYA LAILAI an uc aI sla nd s KUATA M am fort Cruise in com ss‘ on ‘Fiji Prince h ac to the be ovie where the m ‘Blue Lagoon’ was made NADI NADI Achievements made possible by s r e g la il V + s r e e t n lu Vo + other Organisations Children, Schools & Education achievements Over the last 18 months, in partnership with community, Government, Rotary and individual donors, GVI and Vinaka Fiji have achieved: One on one Tutorial Program implemented March 2012. Due to poor literacy pass rates and insufficient resources. The aim of the Tutorial Program was to improve the literacy level and confidence of pupils who needed additional support. We have 20 to 30 minute tutorial sessions tailor-made to meet the individual needs of the pupil. This is now supporting 22 pupils daily, which is almost one fifth of the school. Approximately 15,000 contact hours have been provided by the volunteers at Rt Meli School. Improved resources for the school including books, art supplies, sports equipment. Sustainable communities achievements Over the last 18 months, in partnership with community, Government, Rotary and individual donors, GVI and Vinaka Fiji have achieved: 152,000 litres of new drinking water capacity across 6 villages, through 22 new systems being installed. Additional 250,000 litres in capacity made available through efficiency improvements and repairs of existing tanks. Local village residents and youth groups together with volunteers work on the water program. This leads to greater awareness in the importance of water conservation. Marine conservation achievements Over the last 10 months, in partnership with community, Government, Rotary and individual donors, GVI and Vinaka Fiji have achieved: Awareness evenings in villages run by volunteers. Marine and Environment School Awareness Program run weekly by volunteers. Survey data collection, research, reporting and creation of Tabua areas. Help with marine management plan through workshops and a Village Environment Committee established as a result. What do I need to know? CHILDREN & SCHOOLS PRICES IN FIJIAN DOLLARS ACCOMMODATION STANDARD 1 WEEK 2 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 4 WEEKS DORM $1,520 $2,700 $3,890 $5,075 TWIN/DOUBLE BURE $1,780 $3,210 $4,650 $6,095 Deluxe Bure $2,560 $4,780 $7,015 $9,245 $200 $300 $400 $500 PLUS DONATION TO PROJECTS SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PRICES IN FIJIAN DOLLARS ACCOMMODATION STANDARD 1 WEEK 2 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 4 WEEKS DORM $1,520 $2,700 $3,890 $5,075 TWIN/DOUBLE BURE $1,780 $3,210 $4,650 $6,095 Deluxe Bure $2,560 $4,780 $7,015 $9,245 $200 $300 $400 $500 PLUS DONATION TO PROJECTS MARINE CONSERVATION* PRICES IN FIJIAN DOLLARS ACCOMMODATION STANDARD 1 WEEK 2 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 4 WEEKS DORM $2,160 $3,950 $5,840 $7,680 TWIN/DOUBLE BURE $2,420 $4,510 $6,605 $8,695 Deluxe Bure $3,210 $6,085 $8,960 $11,850 $200 $300 $400 $500 PLUS DONATION TO PROJECTS Prices for Dorm based programs longer than 4 weeks: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES and EDUCATION programs = $1,290 plus $100 donation per week. MARINE RESEARCH & CONSERVATION program = $1,930 plus $100 donation per week. For other accommodation options contact [email protected] WHAT’S INCLUDED: • Pre-departure support • Discounted Services • 24 hour emergency phone • Arrival orientation • Long term experienced staff • Safe and basic accommodations (dormitory as standard) • Welcome meeting • All meals prepared and provided by resort or village • Location and cultural orientation • All necessary project training by experienced staff • All necessary project equipment and materials • 24 hour in-country support • Teamwork and leadership experience • Transfer to base location • Construction techniques training • Community work workshop • Construction materials WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: • Flights • Medical and travel insurance • Visa costs • Personal kit • Additional drinks & gratuities • Extra local excursions • International and domestic airport taxes • Pre-post accommodation Outline of the programs Our programs run from a Saturday morning through to the following Saturday morning and are a total of 7 nights in duration – 5 days of volunteering and two days of relaxation on a tropical island! You may book any number of weeks you wish from 1 to 26, however the program can only be purchased in multiples of one week. If you would like to book a longer duration than that (specified on the booking form up to 12 weeks), please contact us for availability and costs. The program duration does not include any international travel, the night prior to commencement or nights following completion. We can however assist with all pre and post accommodation bookings required in Fiji. Choosing a program Think about how you would like to help the people of Fiji and what program best suits your skill sets and interests. Consider when you would most like to travel and if you would like to do volunteer work only, or combine volunteer work with a holiday and do a Voluntour - Vinaka Fiji partners with Awesome Adventures Fiji to provide a range of packages offering you the opportunity to combine volunteering and travel. ‘Voluntour’ packages are available to be purchased as a minimum of one week volunteering plus your desired length of travel, as per the options provided by Awesome Adventures Fiji. Police Clearance Check Volunteers wanting to participate in the education programs must provide a Police Clearance check or ‘Working with Children’ check from their country of residence. Please apply to your local police station to get clearance. We must receive copies of this along with your completed Registration Form at least two weeks prior to your commencement on the program. Confirmation You will be required to make a non-refundable 10% deposit to reserve your place on the program, with the balance due one month prior to commencement of the volunteer program. Groups The Vinaka Fiji volunteer programmes can facilitate student groups, special interest and sport club groups. Contact the reservations office for more details Travel insurance It is an essential condition of travelling with Vinaka Fiji that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of any emergency medical treatment or accident and to protect your holiday payments in the event of cancellation. Vinaka Fiji has insurance cover available with a leading insurer of adventure style travel, which can be taken out at time of booking. Health & Safety We take health and safety seriously and have a medical evaluation policy in place as well as 24 hour in-country support. However it is your responsibility to obtain advise on any medical precautions or vaccinations required before you travel. Visas It is the responsibility of all volunteers travelling with Vinaka Fiji to check and adhere to Fiji’s visa requirements. As most volunteers choose to stay and travel around Fiji before or after volunteering, they should 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 volunteering is not considered work under the Immigration requirements, so you do not need a work visa. Money matters You shouldn’t be reaching for your wallet while in the islands as the cost of your accommodation; transfers and meals are covered in your program fee. You’ll just need a bit of cash if you wish to purchase any additional drinking water throughout the day, snacks or partake in weekend activities. Please be aware that there are no banks or ATM machines in the Yasawa Islands. Cash machines are available at Nadi Airport and Denarau Marina. Barefoot Island Lodge (the Base) accepts major credit cards. Got more Questions? Email us at [email protected] Vinaka! Thank you! What’s included... Serviced accommodation at Barefoot Island Lodge with your choice of dorm, standard or deluxe bure All meals prepared and provided Welcome meeting and introduction to Fiji and local customs Project training and guidance by experienced staff Project equipment and materials In-country support 24 hour emergency phone Transfers The trust works hand in hand with Awesome Adventures Fiji and Blue Lagoon Cruises who offer holiday experiences in the Yasawas. “Volunteering with Vinaka Fiji is a real ‘hands-on’ experience. You work alongside the locals and get to see how your work directly benefits them, both as individuals and as a community.” Volunteer - JAQUES, PARIS, FRANCE ommodation, activities, For full details of volunteer programs, acc riage visit our website. Booking Conditions and Conditions of Car Contact details AAF3869 YA S A WA T R U S T F O U N D AT I O N Valid for travel to 31 March 2014 Facebook: vinakafiji Email: [email protected] Phone: +679 675 0500 vinakafiji.org.fj