The Fijian archipelago lies scattered lazily in the achingly blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, bathed in the radiant antipodean sunlight. Its towns and villages are veritable melting pots of cultural influences- see multicoloured Hindu temples perched next to relics of the traditional indigenous spirit houses with their lingering sense of an ancient magic. Its irresistible shores are fringed with picture-perfect palm trees.
The azure waters that surround the islands are inhabited by an astonishing array of marine creatures; over 1,200 species of fish including clown fish, trigger fish, blue tangs, 12 species of whales and dolphin, anemones, soft coral and much more.
Enjoy fragrant sun drenched days and balmy exotic nights – try a Fijian beach party for whirling fire dancers, traditional dancing and delectable food cooked in a traditional underground oven. Fiji will enchant you with its infectious, chilled out "Fiji time" lifestyle and its heavenly beaches – the perfect paradise location for your Fijian adventure!
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Fully integrated into the life of the local school, you will work with a range of ages for up to five days a week, mornings and afternoons. Many sporting activities also go on after school so be prepared to work long days! You will work with primary and secondary school age children (5-16), organising a variety of sporting activities.
During your placement, you may find yourself coaching hockey, football, rugby, netball, volleyball, swimming and a whole host of other sports. With extra curricular activities often taking the back burner to other subjects such as English and maths, you will inject much needed enthusiasm and creativity into the children's lives. You will be much more than a coach to them and will be both their mentor and friend. Whilst working on this project, you are encouraged to be creative and bring your own unique skills and personality to enliven and enrich the experience of the kids in your care.
You may also have the chance to work in the classroom teaching English, science and maths when students are not out on the sports field, and you should be prepared to take part in a range of curricular and administrative activities too.
Volunteers in the past have had success in setting up new sports clubs, coaching opportunities and after school activities for students, so make sure you come along with plenty of ideas and enthusiasm for the opportunities coming your way, and do not be afraid to promote your ideas to teachers at your placement school.
