Introduction to Community Service


A fun and exciting introduction to community service and Fijian culture at our Eco-Lodge

A Real Introduction to Community Service
Wake up to the morning sun rising lazily over the Pacific Ocean and get ready for an exciting day in our South Seas paradise. Introduction to Community Service offers an awesome week of service in the easy-going and friendly culture of Fiji. This is a place where locals wave and shout bula as you meander down village paths, where hearts and doors are open and invite you to share in daily lives, and where meaningful service makes a big impact. You will participate in a wide range of service projects and learn about different ways to get involved and help the local community.

Life at the Eco-Lodge
You’ll live the relaxed and easy-going South Pacific lifestyle throughout your stay. Return to our beautiful Base each evening after your service work to share social time with new
friends and staff members. Take a swim in the pool, watch the sun set over the Pacific, play a game of ping-pong, or find a quiet hammock and relax with a good book. Life at our Eco- Lodge is peaceful, and you can be as active or as laid back as you wish during your free time. Join traditional Fijian dance performances, laugh your way through our famous snorkel and flipper race, help cook local style at a traditional lovo, or play soccer on our field with the local village team. There is something here for everyone.

Tutoring, Painting, Cooking and More
When you arrive at the Eco-Lodge, you’ll be placed in a service team with a group of your fellow students. You’ll work with these students throughout the week on a combination of the eight different service initiatives that run out of the Eco- Lodge. A staff member will ead each team, show you the ropes around The Base, and introduce you to the service projects. Each team’s projects will be a little different, as we work with a host of local schools, villages and communities throughout the region. Check out the eight projects in detail on the following pages. Over the weekend, you will have a chance to take a break and enjoy the tropical beauty at the beach or participate in an optional activity such as scuba diving or island hopping.

You’ll Love the Locals!
Every guidebook on Fiji comments on the friendly Fijian people; we whole-heartedly agree and think you will too! You’ll quickly become part of a wonderful community here and experience the much-envied, laid-back lifestyle that many students have described as life changing. Fijians have long believed that strangers should be welcomed as long-lost friends and given the highest degree of consideration and hospitality. Our local neighbors will open their doors and invite you in for a cup of tea to share stories and teach you more about life in these remote island parts. We are honored to be so accepted here and pleased to offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the friendly culture of Fiji.

Questions? For further information about our Introduction to Service in Fiji program, please e-mail Fiji@rusticpathways.com

- Eco Lodge base

 

Get involved in 8 rewarding service projects on this program

Environmental Service and Sustainability

Help monitor, maintain, and preserve Fiji's magnificent natural environment


Highlights

    • PARTICIPATE in beach cleanups and help maintain Fiji’s beautiful marine environment and local waterways.
    • PLANT trees and mangroves in an effort to help reforest and prevent erosion around The Fiji Islands.
    • EXPLORE the fragile ecosystem of the islands, and learn how to protect these precious resources.
    • GROW vegetables in our local, sustainable garden.
Details
Fiji’s breathtakingly beautiful islands, beaches, and coral reefs are the country’s main tourist attractions. But, as in many parts of the world, these magical environments are threatened by population growth, pollution, unsustainable tourism, and insufficient resource management. We are involved in a variety of initiatives in Fiji that help preserve the country’s remarkable natural beauty. Students plant trees in a reforestation effort, clean public beaches, plant mangroves to prevent erosion, and lend a hand in cleaning local waterways. Students learn about the challenges of sustainable development, teach locals how to preserve their precious ecosystems, and help care for this incredible environment.

Classrooms, Chalk and Chatter

Interact with students of different cultures through language and learning


Highlights

    • TEACH English to eager school children alongside helpful Fijian teachers and Rustic Pathways staff who will guide you through this amazing experience.
    • PLAY fun games and sing songs that help improve students’ English pronunciation and fluency.
    • CONNECT with village students on a personal level and learn basic Fijian words from your new friends.
    • DONATE books, calculators, pens, and other much needed educational supplies to the schools you help.
Details
We have developed a strong tradition of cross-cultural exchange and learning with a number of local primary schools in the communities surrounding the Eco Lodge. Classes in Fiji are taught in English, but students speak their native language at home. Sharing time with native English speakers is a great opportunity for them to advance their conversation skills and understanding. Through this program our students tutor English and reading comprehension in primary schools. They also play sports, help refurbish or paint schools, and provide much-needed books and school supplies. Students continually find that this rewarding experience teaching Fijian youth expands their world view and changes their outlook on life.
 

Home-Cooked Meals

Prepare healthy meals for needy Fijian families and learn to cook the local cuisine


Highlights

    • COOK delicious Fijian and Indian dishes with our staff and friends and learn about the local cuisine.
    • DELIVER the nutritious and tasty food you prepare to needy children, families, and elderly people.
    • SMILE with a warm heart as you see what this humble gift means in the lives of those who receive it.
Details
Our Home-Cooked Meals program provides hot, nutritious meals to a growing number of families, children, and elderly Fijians who struggle to make ends meet. Students learn how to prepare delicious Fijian and Indian dishes under the guidance of our local staff and their families. We cook the meals in the homes of our neighbors in the local way, over an open fire with huge pots and lots of stories and laughter. Once the dishes are ready, students pack them into containers and hop in the car to deliver them personally to residents of one of the many communities that we have joined forces with for this initiative. Students often share cups of tea with the families to whom they deliver food and are humbled by the appreciation they receive.

Youngsters, Story Books and Songs

Provide structured learning and games for young children


Highlights

    • ENJOY laughs and smiles with children as you teach new games and share unforgettable times together.
    • IMPROVE your drawing skills while making a big difference in the lives of these adorable little kids.
    • GET TO KNOW these friendly Fijian children who will welcome you with warm hearts and open arms.
    • MAKE a lasting impression on children who will always remember the time you shared together.
Details
Fijian children are fun and affectionate. They live without many of the modern amenities others in the world take for granted yet are some of the happiest people on the planet. However, they often do not have access to kindergartens to prepare them for their education ahead. Our students run their own classes for these kids and assist in resource-strapped kindergartens. They provide resources and new ideas and help raise awareness about the importance of early-childhood education. Through this program, students also revitalize playgrounds and donate much-needed art supplies books, and games that enhance the lives of these children. Students love working with the kids and quickly collect wonderful experiences, memories, and photos in return for their time.
 

Hammers, Nails and Brushes

Contribute to various building projects in friendly villages surrounding the Eco-Lodge


Highlights

    • LEND A HAND improving the homes of families in the communities surrounding the Eco-Lodge to ensure they have access to safe and comfortable housing.
    • PAINT houses popular colors – pink and purple are favorites – and bring smiles to local families.
    • IMPROVE conditions at local schools and construct playground equipment for the local kindergarten.
    • RECEIVE heartfelt thank-yous and know that your dedicated efforts will last for many years to come.
Details
This project focuses on revitalizing underprivileged areas of Fijian communities. From individual homes to schools to health-care centers, many buildings in the communities surrounding the Eco-Lodge are in need of upgrades. Students work alongside experienced local staff who have extensive knowledge of construction techniques. No building experience is necessary, but an enthusiastic and energetic attitude is essential. This is a hands-on project, and students are rewarded by knowing they helped build something that will last for years to come. Projects can range from renovating houses and building toilet blocks for local schools, to painting community buildings and landscaping school grounds.

Medical Aid and Assistance

Work with local care givers to assist in a variety of heath-care situations


Highlights

    • VISIT rural nursing stations and help dispense donations and provide basic medical supplies.
    • LEAD fun and interactive workshops for local students about important dental-care issues.
    • VOLUNTEER at the local hospital, spend time with Fijian patients, and assist friendly nurses.
    • CONSTRUCT village dispensaries and help improve conditions at village nursing stations.
Details
Inadequate medical supplies and an insufficient number of health-care workers mean that many people here don’t have access to basic care. We are involved with local health-care facilities and clinics where students donate time, energy, and supplies to help ensure that locals get the care they need. Students volunteer in the local hospital, give donations to village nursing stations, and provide basic maintenance work of village dispensaries. We also join forces with a local dental education program and lead fun and interactive workshops with local students on the importance of brushing daily. This program will be of particular interest for students with a heart for human-based service.
 

Plaster, Paint and Pencils

Develop relationships and share laughs as you create art with young Fijians

Highlights

    • INSPIRE creativity and imagination in young minds.
    • ENRICH a school’s curriculum with art classes and activities and exchange new ideas with local teachers.
    • PROVIDE materials, tools, and supplies for art projects that local schools couldn’t otherwise afford.
    • HELP kids create their own masterpieces, which they will take home to share with their mom and dad.
Details
Having limited resources means that most local schools cannot provide art classes to their students. The Plaster, Paint and Pencils program offers students the chance to share their creative talents with eager young apprentices. Students open the door to a world of creativity and imagination for youngsters who have few chances to express themselves artistically. Armed with brushes, paint, drawing pencils, and paper, each service team will create new projects and lead art classes at local primary schools and kindergartens. Classes full of wide-eyed and excited children eagerly await, and our students marvel as new ideas come to life and confidence grows in the Fijian youth.

Computers are the Future

Help Fijian school children develop basic computer skills


Highlights

    • SHARE your computer knowledge and open new windows of opportunity for eager Fijian youth.
    • HELP teachers learn new technological skills so they can help their students become computer literate.
    • TEACH Fijian youth and help them learn how to use computers, basic software, and an e-mail account.
    • LAUGH with your students and feel a great sense of accomplishment as you watch their skills grow.
Details
Computer skills and technical knowledge are in great demand in Fiji, but few people in this developing country have access to these skills. Fiji is still struggling to catch up with the technological age, and students here are eager to learn skills that could help them succeed in the future. Students teach Fijian youth how to type and use common software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. We tutor those who are unable to afford classes on their own or who do not have access to computers. Students also introduce the Fijian youth to the Internet, show them how to set up an e-mail account, and better equip them with the skills they need to enter the work force and expand their career opportunities.