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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Gender Equality

Support Woman & Children Commune

location
4 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
You don't have to pay anything yet

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Help support this community made up of almost 400 people from dis-advantaged backgrounds. Home to predominantly single mums, their children and some extended family...

PLEASE NOTE: Program closed in January 2026


Background Information
This community is made up of almost 400 people, divided into 9 villages consisting of 4-5 flats, home to 4 different families. It is a place for ‘disabled’ people, predominantly single mums and their children and/or extended ...

About the program

PLEASE NOTE: Program closed in January 2026


Background Information
This community is made up of almost 400 people, divided into 9 villages consisting of 4-5 flats, home to 4 different families. It is a place for ‘disabled’ people, predominantly single mums and their children and/or extended family.   The community receives some government support and social assistance but has very limited resources and can really use a helping hand.  Unfortunately, pleas for help by the passionate community administration staff regularly go unanswered.

With very little government support, the workload for the community staff is immeasurable and ongoing, and the community greatly benefits from having volunteers to assist in various support roles within the community.  

Role of volunteers
The role of our volunteers is varied, but ultimately, you are there to offer an extra set of hands to help lessen the burden of day to day operations around the commune, so that the residents can utilize their time in pursuit of economic opportunity to help bring themselves and their family out of poverty.   Volunteers are expected to bring a positive can do attitude and a willingness to help those less fortunate.  Typically, this involves between 4-6 hours of volunteer assistance at the commune during Monday to Friday.  Upon orientation , you'll be assigned a coordinator who will help you integrate into the community so that you can feel at home and welcome here.  

These support roles may involve but are not limited to:
- Kindergarten assistant teaching
- Woman's empowerment teaching
- Micro-business & economic empowerment
- Renovation and grounds maintenance
- Office administration & computer skills education

Typical day

Kindergarten & Teaching Project
Unfortunately, even in today’s day and age, not everyone has the luxury of basic education. Beginning with basic education is the first step to leading a life with opportunity, in order to deliver basic education the kids need a classroom of their own.

The ...

Typical day

Kindergarten & Teaching Project
Unfortunately, even in today’s day and age, not everyone has the luxury of basic education. Beginning with basic education is the first step to leading a life with opportunity, in order to deliver basic education the kids need a classroom of their own.

The kindergarten makes use of the community hall with classes running 8am-11am. (teachers finish approx. 12pm) Unfortunately, there is no dedicated classroom for the students and teachers to make use of.  As this is a shared spaced, disagreements about the state of the hall occur between the various youth groups, church gatherings & village meetings. In terms of school supplies these are provided annually by the head office in Suva.

There are 36 students registered (aged 3-5 years) with around 20+ in attendance each day. Two teachers certified (USP or FNU) in Early Childhood teaching run the class. The students come from within the community housing as well as the surrounding farmland areas. Travelling to school on foot or by bus.

Classroom Construction Project
A dedicated classroom built for the community would immensely aid the facilitation of teaching the students, in a nurturing environment that is solely for the care and education of the students. Teachers wouldn’t have to worry about equipment & supplies being misused; class could run for a full day instead of only a few hours, members of the community would then have their hall back to regular use without education paraphernalia covering the walls and ceiling.  For this to happen, materials and volunteers skilled in construction are required. 

Community Support & Administration 
With so many ongoing social, environmental and physical needs, volunteers need only some care, motivation and creativity to assist with various community needs such as;

  • Office administration & paperwork (bring your own laptop)
  • Healthcare (Nutritionists, Doctors, Nurses well needed)
  • Repair of a flat destroyed in Cyclone Winston
  • Assisting with tenant applications
  • Gardening
  • Finance
  • Building Maintenance & repairs
  • Creative/ cultural workshops
  • Counselling services

Free-time activities

Lautoka is approx 20 min from Nadi which is the main tourist hub of Fiji and the gateway to the famous Fijian islands.  

We can help you source island hopping ferry tickets are local rates and can even provide you access to remote island village stays if you're after something truly unique.  

The ...

Free-time activities

Lautoka is approx 20 min from Nadi which is the main tourist hub of Fiji and the gateway to the famous Fijian islands.  

We can help you source island hopping ferry tickets are local rates and can even provide you access to remote island village stays if you're after something truly unique.  

The coral coast is only a 2 hour drive and includes picturesque beaches, horseback riding and adventure travel options at Pacific Harbour.  

These options are all close enough to make a day trip and our local team will help you with all the specifics.  

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)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

We require your Police Clearance and Passport page and Vaccination Card 30 days prior to the project start date.

Nationality Restrictions

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

Time Commitment

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

What's Included

What's Included

On-site Services

Return airport pickup/drop off
Accommodation  (Home Stays – Sharing with other volunteers)
2 meals p/day (Breakfast & Dinner)
Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea daily
Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion    

Airport Pickup at Nadi International Airport

For home stay placements, arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the cost of your volunteer program for a pick-up from Nadi to the Nadi / Lautoka areas. 

Transportation to/from your home stay to the placement each day is generally your responsibility, however your home stay family will assist you and ensure you receive local rates for any costs involved. We’ll place you as close as possible to the placement to limit daily travel times. Expect between 5-50 min each way for a small local transport fee.

If arriving on the Saturday, you’ll need to book an extra nights accommodation in advance for an extra cost p/night, which includes meals. 

Accommodation

Location Lautoka, located 20 min north of Nadi, is a lovely and safe working class harbour city with many areas to explore (eg. hiking trails, mud pools etc). You will be spending time in the working class areas where the genuine needs exist.

Enjoy living like a Fiji local. You’ll have your own single or twin share room within private, clean and safe western style homes. You will have a place to store your personal belongings, a private bathroom and toilet (where possible – not all placements include this), a fan and single mattress or double/queen if sharing with your partner. Some home stays have self contained flats separate from the main residence. You can choose this option if desired. Internet is usually not included with most volunteers purchasing a temporary 3G plan for their own device.


Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

*Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

Food & Beverages

3 good meals per day are provided as part of the program fee.  Typically, you can expect a fairly 'western' style diet which includes.   Many of our home stays are amazing cooks!  We can cater to various needs (such as vegetarian)

Breakfast – Wheatbix, cornflakes, bread, butter etc, tea, coffee, milo. Volunteers can make their own eggs should they wish.
Lunch – Volunteers to prepare their own sandwich. Tuna, cold meat, salad, eggs. Some prefer to take left over dinner from the night before for lunch.
Dinner – Cooked meal (eg. stews, soups, curries, fish, roast vegetables, taro, sweet potato, bread, rice etc.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site
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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

Arrival into Nadi during Sat/Sun preferred

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

Program Fees

$572 per week 4 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

4 - 4 weeks

Deposit

Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

Final Payment

You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

You don't have to pay anything yet
4.7
Top Pick
One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

Location

Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Lautoka

Meet your project coordinator

Lauren
254
reviews
4.72
Brilliant
1989
Founded

Verified

  Very high response rate
Spoken languages: English
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Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Social Work in Fiji
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Travel dates

1. - 1. Jan 1

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