Volunteer Stories from Nyah and Lois

Our summer projects are well underway here at Think Pacific.

The teams are achieving so much and we are incredibly proud of all the efforts our volunteers are putting in.

We love hearing from volunteers on project and how they are finding life in a Fijian village. Nyah and Lois, volunteers from one of our June projects, have written a blog detailing their unique adventure to the South Pacific.

Nyah is a school leaver and Lois is a Swansea University student.

So without further ado, I’ll pass it over to the team 🌴🌊🇫🇯

Volunteer Stories

Lois Rice, Ancient History, Swansea University

Age 21

Bula!

I am currently at the rest and relaxation stage of the project; having spent three weeks having woken up to the beautiful highland views of Fiji. I was extremely nervous before flying out here as I had no idea what to expect, however this was completely natural as everyone was in the same boat. If you are considering this project but are nervous about what to expect just go for it – be spontaneous and surprise yourself, as this experience has honestly been the most amazing adventure.

Think Pacific highlights the ‘why’ of their projects and I would like to mention a few examples of this in my blog.

Firstly the most rewarding aspect of the project is the teams involvement with the village school and being a part of the children’s educational development. I had one-to-ones with three children every single day and loved every second of it with them. It was so much fun using apparatus to create innovative lessons, and my favourite memory has to be when we used cones and hockey sticks to form a number line, and by the end of the session my students could round up, down and to the nearest hundred – I was ecstatic with their progress and could tell that they were happy with themselves too. Their enthusiasm to learn was infectious and their smiles when they understood something new made me squeal inside, you really become so proud of them over the weeks.

Secondly, one evening the team held a health workshop for the adults in the village whilst some stations focused on cleaning wounds and nutrition our group focused on CPR and the recovery position. In addition before we left we devised an advocating assembly where my friend and I gave a speech on safety in the village.

These are just a few fulfilling events that the team provided, showing the important aspect to the project which helped improve lives. As well as this there were fun village events such as a picnic, a village funday with a slip and slide and a sports day. The weeks really are jam-packed full of exciting and rewarding experiences. Thus alongside the fantastic food, Fijian views and culture, you get to give back to the village and have left hoping that you have made a sustainable impact to their education and lives.

Vinanka,

Lois

Nyah Barenett, School Leaver

Age 18

Bula!

This past month has been an incredible adventure that I will never forget. I was the youngest out of the group, having just finished my a-levels. I was worried that I was not going to fit in but I was totally wrong. Everyone is so friendly and I have made some amazing friends including the leaders. Due to this experience I am more confident as a person.

My time in my Fijian home was phenomenal and I have made so many fun memories that will last forever. My host family was so generous and spectacular. Everyone seemed to be related to one another and it was like one big family in Namoli village. The food in the village was amazing, lots of people in my group had dietary requirements which was provided for.

One of my highlights of the project was my one-to-ones called Soho, a 5 year old girl in Class 1. At the start she couldn’t write and say the alphabet, but by the end of the project she was able to write and say A-H. This was an incredible achievement for this child and to be able to help her was an amazing feeling. Another achievement on project was leading hockey with year 3-4.

One of the highlights of the project was on the last day when we did the group meke. This is a traditional dance that they have in each village. Another highlight of the project was a Saturday excursion when we went on a trek to a local waterfall, unfortunately we didn’t go and see it as it was raining too much.

Finally the most impressionable part of the experience was the attitude of the kids. From the good mornings to their general enthusiasm, I loved every moment of it.