I had the unique honor of being welcomed by the people of Fiji as part of the International Volunteer HQ on their Construction project. Located in Sigatoka, the project involved various construction-related activities alongside the local community to build and maintain a local school central to the district whose student body has nearly doubled in the past 2 years. The project and its volunteers were involved in physically demanding tasks to construct walkways, shelters, flooring, drains, and roof rehabilitation.
Participating in the program gave me first-hand insight into local construction practices and unique challenges in a largely rural community without the luxuries of mechanical equipment and regulations to which I am accustomed back home in Sydney on tier-one mega projects. Despite the absence of this, the resilience, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of the team were palpable as we worked to deliver new classrooms for the rapidly growing school. I am grateful to have been welcomed by my team and a special thanks to our supervisor, Tunai who supplied the tools (and food) available to keep us working to meet the project's goals. Talking with the children during lunchtime about their lessons and life ambitions was a great motivator throughout the project. The occasional compliment on my workmanship from passing students as we worked contributed to the upkeep of good morale through blisters and sunburn!
In addition to construction, I had the opportunity to participate in the village's children's evening sports sessions alongside other international volunteers participating in an ongoing teaching program that coincided with the project. Interacting with the children and other volunteers from all over the world proved sport to be a universal language. Making friends with the children and other volunteers made the experience all the more worthwhile and memorable.
Thank you to our program manager and other supervisors for tending to all the volunteer's queries throughout the program, keeping us fed with delicious pioneer fuel, and making us feel safe in each of our solo adventures.