Early Childhood Development in Fiji

Generaly Info 

Dates: See date tab

Location: Silana Village,  Fiji Dawasamu

Minimum Age: 18

Highlights

• Gaining practical experience while increasing your employability
• Implementing theoretical learning in a practical environment
• Becoming fully immersed in the local Fijian culture by learning about their traditions and way of life
• Participating in activities such as scuba diving, dolphin watching, hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling, traditional ceremonies, and Fijian language lessons

As a volunteer you will join an international team who are working towards improving the early childhood development of children in the community of Silana. 

Participants will develop and deliver sessions for children under 5 years of age that are aimed at supporting the development of skills in key developmental areas: cognitive, emotional, social and physical.

Participants also deliver short courses to caregivers communicating the importance of Early Childhood Development and how children can be supported in their development at home

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Accommodation on base is in shared (mixed sex) facilities with shared bathroom facilities. Flush toilet facilities are available, and participants share base duties, including cleaning and other chores.​

Volunteers take it in turns to prepare meals for the group. Food is a basic, mostly vegetarian diet consisting of local produce subject to in-season produce and locally available products. Breakfast could be porridge, eggs and beans, fruit or pancakes, lunch may be rice dishes, vegetables, pasta and sauce, etc. and atypical evening meal may include pasta, beans, rice and vegetables in a variety of sauces and flavors.Participants that is gluten intolerant, bring some gluten free products with you i.e. pasta, rice crackers.

Included

• Pre-departure support and discounted services 24-hour emergency phone
• Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
• Long term experienced staff
• Welcome meeting
• Location orientation
• All necessary project training by experienced staff
• All necessary project equipment and materials
• 24-hour in-country support

Not Included

• Flights
• Medical and travel insurance
• Visa
• Activities & excursions
• Personal spendings

Terms and conditions for volunteers

• Up to date CV/ resume
• Copy of return flight itinerary
• Police clearance
• Basic level of English; understanding and speaking
• Acceptance subject to availability of position

Payment & Cancellation

The non-refundable deposit payment is due within 48 hours of notice of acceptance onto the program. Deposits are currently €300(or equivalent) or €900 (or equivalent) for Programs costing €5000 (or equivalent) or more, or for Programs with a duration of 90 days or more.

For Programs with a deposit of €300 or equivalent 50% of the balance will be due 16 weeks before departure and the outstanding balance must be paid by the Participant no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. For Programs with a deposit of €900 or equivalent 50% of the balance will be due 20 weeks before departure and the outstanding balance must be paid by the Participant no later than 12 weeks prior to departure.

For Programs with a deposit of €300 or equivalent the Participant will be entitled to cancel at any time up until 16 weeks before departure. For Programs with a deposit of €900 or equivalent , the Participant will be entitled to cancel at any time up until 20 weeks before departure. In the event of timely cancellation, the Participant shall not be entitled to a refund of the deposit, but will be entitled to a refund of any other monies paid. All refunds are subject to an administration fee of €15, or equivalent. In the event of cancellation after the deadlines above, the Participant shall not be entitled to a refund of any monies paid.

Our team 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 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.

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.