Energetic volunteers who enjoy playing with and teaching children. All volunteers have the support of local staff, who will guide you in your tasks and activities so no experience or training is required.

Project details

Eager to be a Childcare volunteer in Fiji? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to assist local teachers in Sigatoka with lively groups of local children. Volunteers can be extremely helpful in being able to focus the energy of Fijian kids on lessons and constructive activities that contribute to their learning and growth. This is a fun and unique opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience in early childhood education and development.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In Fiji, children often grow up without many luxuries, yet they remain incredibly happy and playful. Consequently, local kindergartens are busy and lively places. Teachers greatly appreciate any assistance they can get in entertaining these active and curious young children, and volunteers can truly lighten the load.

As a volunteer in Fijian kindergartens, you’ll assist local teachers with informal lessons and confidence-building activities for children aged 4 and 5. Your volunteering hours will be from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by either planning lessons for the next day or assisting at the Sports Education project.

Your duties as a kindergarten teaching volunteer may include:

Engaging with and caring for children
Singing songs
Organizing arts and crafts activities
Assisting with and conducting lessons
Sharing your language and culture with students
Organizing and leading fun and educational activities

During school holidays, all volunteers will take part in the Kids Club, organized by the local team in a nearby village. From Monday to Thursday, you’ll participate in general teaching with a themed focus each week, such as healthy living. Fridays are dedicated to running sports activity days.

School holiday dates:

December 8 to January 29, 2024
May 6 to May 17, 2024
August 26 to September 6, 2024
December 9 to January 24, 2025

The remaining 2025 school term dates have not yet been confirmed but holidays typically fall around the months of May, August, September and December.

Why do Childcare volunteering in Sigatoka with IVHQ?

While volunteering with children in Fiji you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Improving early childhood education for kids in Fiji
Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
Learning and practicing Fijian
Developing your communication skills
Gaining childcare and teaching experience
Immersing yourself fully in the Fijian way of life
Exploring Fiji’s blissful beaches

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
Volunteers aged 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
To respect the local culture and customs in Fiji, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Fiji photo gallery

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers doing orientation at the house

Kava Ceremony as part of orientation

Passing around the Kava

Volunteer drinking Kava

Exploring Sigatoka during orienation

Exploring Sigatoka during orientation

IVHQ Volunteer's out on an evening walk

Volunteers checking out Maui Bay - Intro Week

Biausevu waterfall bush walk - Intro Week

Volunteers at Biausevu waterfall - Intro Week

View from on top of Sand Dunes

IVHQ intro week - Sigatoka National Park Dunes

Checking out views at the Hill Fort

Fijian meke dance lesson - Intro Week

IVHQ Fijian language lesson - Intro Week

Learning to make shaved coconut and coconut milk for Lovo - Intro Week

Volunteers preparing veges for Lovo - Intro Week

Covering the food in the Lovo oven - Intro Week

Finished Lovo meal - Intro Week

Popular weekend trip spot - The Beach House

Exploring The Beach House

Seaside view at the Beach House

South Sea Island trip during free time

Diving at South Sea Island

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Alexys Cullen

23 Jul 2024

The preparation make me feel at ease with what to expect and what was required of me. It allowed my trip to run smoothly. The local team were absolutely amazing. They were super helpful, friendly, kind and always checking in to see how we were going. I felt comfortable asking them questions and seeking advice from them.

I had the most amazing experience, it was an opportunity of a life time. I will definitely be returning and next time for a longer period. I learnt so much about their culture and being with the children at the kindergarten and seeing them so happy and excited to see us everyday makes you feel so blessed and grateful. The families and the teacher at the kindergarten thanked us multiple times and were so welcoming and made us feel so comfortable.

...

Anna Milner

23 Jul 2024

Just do it! I was so nervous I was going alone without any friends, just me. I met my favorite people on the program. Even though it’s only been a few days since I have finished, I am still in constant contact with all the friends I made. The volunteer program was amazing as well. Do everything you can and more while you’re there. I was really scared too, and I’ve never had more fun during a volunteer program.

The local team was incredible, seriously, insanely helpful and worked through everything I needed to be done!! They went above and beyond to make sure we were all accommodated and happy.

...

Emily O'Neill

15 Jul 2024

I have learnt so much from this experience, I have learned about anew culture and different way of living and to accept the smaller things in life. The children here may not have everything I have back home but that makes no difference to them and they are the happiest most bubbliest children and very well mannered. If you are feeling hesitant and unsure of what to do just take your time and do your research, when going into a program like this make sure to have an open mind and not to many expectations so you can fulling engage with the new culture and life of a different country. I loved being able to embrace a new culture and learning things and new languages.
Overall my experience was amazing and exceeded all my expectations, I would highly recommend this program and would definitely do it again in the future.

...

Ava Buettel

12 Jun 2024

I was guided step by step exceptionally to ensure I was comfortable and prepared for my volunteer project. I was thoroughly informed on what to expect and what was expected from me as a volunteer.

After volunteering, I have gained a new insight on living. I honestly feel so grateful and it was as if volunteering abroad humbled me. Every little stress I had back at home seemed so small while I was volunteering. I have never felt so inspired and loved by a place. From learning the traditional Fijian culture to visiting the beautiful resort islands and beaches in my spare time, it’s been incredible. I will very much miss the beautiful children I had the opportunity to teach and play with for a few weeks, as well as all the wonderful people I met along the way.

...

Claudia Rose

23 May 2024

I found that the support and guidance before the trip was extremely helpful and made me feel very well prepared. The local team was extremely helpful and welcoming upon my arrival. I feel as if this project has had a massive impact on me. It has inspired me to pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher and gave me closure on why I am so passionate about choosing that career path.

...

Sophie Callander

15 May 2024

I loved every part of my experience with IVHQ and I will definitely do another program in the future. I gained a lot of knowledge about the Fijian culture and gained an amazing life experience.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Recommended online TEFL course

We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.

Get TEFL certified online

Location

Location

The IVHQ Fiji program is based on the Coral Coast of Fiji, which is on the south-eastern coast of mainland Fiji. Although Fiji is known as an island paradise with a thriving tourist industry, many Fijians face challenges associated with living below the poverty line. Volunteers provide valuable support in helping with the development and improvement of infrastructure in this small island nation, especially as it continues to grow.

Volunteer placements are located in and around Sigatoka which has some of the best beaches on the island. Volunteers travel to their placements from the volunteer accommodation via taxi. The accommodation is a 15-minute taxi ride to Sigatoka town and a mere 2-minute walk to the nearest beach.

Arrival and orientation

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Nadi. An airport pick up is provided here on Saturdays and Sundays between 6:00 AM and 4:30 PM only. If you arrive between this time, you will be met at the airport by a member of the local team who will provide assistance with your bus transfer to Sigatoka. You will then be picked up by a member of our local team at the Sigatoka bus station.

If you arrive outside of these times you can arrange a late airport pick up as an add on option. Alternatively you can arrange your own accommodation in Nadi and then make your way to Sigatoka via bus the following morning.

If you arrive prior to 6am, you may wait in the arrivals terminal until the local team can meet and assist you with your bus transfer.

Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Fiji prior to your volunteer program, you will need to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation and the local team will provide guidance on this.

There are two options for orientation for the Fiji Program.

One-day orientation:

This begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Fiji, including an introduction to Fiji, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, city tour and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Introduction Week:

The Introduction Week begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for the first five days of your stay. It is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Fiji, plus you’ll learn more about the culture and get to tick off must-do Fiji experiences! This includes a Kava welcome ceremony; weaving class, hike to a waterfall, language class, cooking class; and trip to Maui Bay!

Please note, the Introduction week is included in your total duration on the program. If you would like to take part in this week, please let your Program Manager know.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On your first day of volunteering, you will be taken to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays Please note that start times and daily workloads depend on the project that you are participating on. Some placements run in the afternoon and volunteers on these placements will have the morning to create their lesson plans, or can join another project.

A typical volunteer day is as follows:

7:30 - 8:30AM	Breakfast at the volunteer house and then travel to your placement to join local placement staff.
9:00 AM	Start at your placement.
12:00 PM	Head back to the volunteer house for lunch.
2:00 PM	Lesson planning for the following day.
5:30 PM	Dinner at the volunteer house. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

To ensure the safety of our volunteers and respect of others in the volunteer accommodation, a curfew of 11:30 PM has been put in place for every evening, including the weekend. If you wish to stay out longer, you must discuss this first with our local team and arrange alternative accommodation.

Weekends

Volunteers can spend the weekends exploring Sigatoka, visiting the beautiful pristine coastlines, beaches or rainforests. Volunteers can spend the weekends exploring the Coral Coast which is a stretch of beaches and bays between Nadi and Suva. Along this coastline is the Pacific Harbour (approximately 1.5 hours from Sigatoka), which is the self-proclaimed ‘Adventure Capital’ of Fiji. From Pacific Harbour you can organize activities, such as kayaking, white-water rafting, shark feeding, jet ski tours, zip lining and diving. It is recommended you budget for these additional weekend trips.

Accommodation and WiFi

You’ll stay in dormitory-style volunteer houses located in the Sigatoka area near the community where volunteers work. It is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Sigatoka town and 2 minutes from the beach. The area has a very strong friendly Fijian culture. A curfew of 11:30 PM is in effect every evening, including weekends, to ensure the safety and respect of others in the volunteer accommodation.

The volunteer house is very basic but comfortable, with electricity, fans, and running water. Bathrooms in the volunteer houses are all western style with a shower, toilet and basin. Bedding is provided which includes a pillow, pillowcase and sheets (Washed Weekly). You will need to bring a towel and toiletries.

You can expect to share a room with up to 5 other volunteers of the same gender. Couples or individuals who want more privacy have an option to upgrade to private accommodation. Private rooms are subject to availability and therefore you must arrange this well in advance of your program. The local team will do their best to keep families together.

While basic WiFi is available for communication use at the accommodation internet access, it is not always reliable. Therefore we recommend purchasing a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone. The local team can assist you with purchasing this during your program orientation in Sigatoka and is relatively cheap 30FJD for 60GB a month). WiFi is also available at cafes and restaurants around Sigatoka.

Please note that during busy times, some volunteers maybe accommodated in a nearby hotel. Volunteers who are placed in the hotel will still have all their meals at the volunteer house.

Meals

Fijian food is tasty and diverse, with a strong influence of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Three meals a day are served at the volunteer house on weekdays, but on weekends only breakfast and dinner are served, leaving volunteers responsible for their own lunches. Typical dishes include chow mein (Fiji style stir-fried noodles and vegetables), starches such as cassava, taro, sweet potato, bread, fruit, rice, stews, soups and curries.

Breakfast is typically cereal, tea, coffee, fruit, eggs and toast.

Bottled water is readily available in Fiji and there are water filters available in the volunteer accommodation for volunteers.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can discuss this with you. The local team will do their best to see that you are well taken care of but you should not expect to eat as you do at home. If you wish to supplement some of your meals with home comforts, there are basic kitchen facilities available to use and the local team will show you where to buy food during orientation.

IVHQ Fiji Main Volunteer House

Beach 1min walk away from volunteer house

Typical volunteer shared room

Shared bathroom in volunteer accommodation

IVHQ Fiji Common Area

IVHQ Fiji Dining Area

Lockers provided at IVHQ Fiji Program

Volunteer house private room upgrade

Private room upgrade ensuite bathroom

IVHQ Fiji secondary volunteer house

Typical volunteer shared room

Shared Bathrooms in volunteer house

Typical volunteer lunch served at the house

Self service breakfast at the house

Volunteer dinner of fish curry with beans and roti

Typical lunch - noodles with a side of fresh fruit

Volunteer Breakfast

Fijian style dinner served with fresh fruit and juice

Pancake Fridays at the volunteer house

IVHQ Fiji Accommodation

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$500 Equivalent to $71/day
2 weeks	$720 Equivalent to $51/day
3 weeks	$945 Equivalent to $45/day
4 weeks	$1,165 Equivalent to $42/day
5 weeks	$1,365 Equivalent to $39/day
6 weeks	$1,570 Equivalent to $37/day
8 weeks	$1,980 Equivalent to $35/day
10 weeks	$2,410 Equivalent to $34/day
12 weeks	$2,820 Equivalent to $34/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$527) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Fiji generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport pick-up
Transport to and from your volunteer placement each day
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

Return to the airport when your program finishes
Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Free-time experiences & tours in Sigatoka

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Sigatoka! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Sigatoka program.

Fiji Introduction Week

The Introduction Week is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Fiji.

AU$176

Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress free ride from the accommodation back to either Nadi International Airport or Nausori International Airport arranged by our local team.

AU$120

Airport pick up (for volunteers arriving outside of the pick up window)

If you’re arriving outside the airport pick-up times, book this add on now!

AU$120

View all experiences

Check what's required to visit Fiji

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Suva
Population	909,943
Languages	English, Fijian and Fijian Hindi
Currency	Fijian Dollar (FJD)
Time zone	UTC+12:00

Weather and climate

Fiji has a hot climate all year round with maximum temperatures averaging between 26°C and 31°C (79°F - 88°F). The wet season runs from November to April and the dry season runs from May through October. The wet season is characterised by high humidity with heavy downpours followed by sunshine. The dry season is when temperatures are typically cooler with little rainfall.

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