In collaboration with a local youth group, you will work on projects that help empower Fijian youths to be the agents of change in their community. Each day, there will be a thematic focus and together with your team and youth group you shall prepare activities to promote learning, understanding and long-term action to promote aspects of positive mental health.  In line with the Fiji National Development Plan, and Youth Champs 4 Mental Health, the long term aim is to equip Fiji’s youth with the tools to be ambassadors for mental health awareness, understanding and support in their communities. We believe in thinking big, starting small and acting now and working together to empower talented Fijian youth.

Support children living in the rural areas to improve their confidence, self-esteem and learn positive messages by providing invaluable opportunities to try new activities, develop their education and increase their social development. Do this by introducing them to new sports, games and creative activities.  The aim is to develop the self-belief of each child and assist them to communicate and express their feelings. Alongside the Fijian youth group you will create fun, interactive and engaging activities to expose Fijian children to a new ways of enjoying education and extra-curricular activities. Crucially, you’ll help young Fijian adults to continue the activities and be vital role models for children.

We believe in learning before contributing, which is why our project starts with you immersing into and celebrating traditional Fijian culture. Through active engagement and practical experience of the Kaiviti lifestyle with youths, families & women’s groups, you’ll help to improve self-esteem of Fijian youths, foster pride and build trust and confidence to help open up discussions.

Create awareness around mental health, discuss stigmas and misinformation and open up the first conversations about positive mental health through workshops and activities. By understanding the risk factors, warning signs and typical triggers which may come together to create a situation which could lead to suicide, communities can be alert, aware and supportive at the earliest possible stage.

Promote healthy habits within the communities and provide basic advice from our government partners, including distributing messages about nutrition, diet, smoking, drugs and NCD awareness.  We work alongside Fiji’s National Wellness Centre and facilitate the Towards a Health Fiji Islands Initiative to link physical health benefits to mental health promotion by distributing government information.

Provide safe and enabling spaces where children and youths feel able to talk about problems, open up and discuss their mental well being and positive mental health without judgement.   Encourage peer-to-peer support and empower youths to be role models and support each other and their younger siblings in facilitating conversations and spreading positive messages.

Establish and demonstrate activities for community groups, women’s groups and young adults to promote well-being within their villages. This may include organising community walks, women’s aerobics, dance, music, art, drama, swimming, nature walks, hiking, family time, journal writing, blogs or community talks.  Activities that can be replicated and innovated by Fijian Youths.

Every Saturday, we deliver exciting and engaging youth clubs that give the children the access and opportunity to develop their skills. express themselves and improve their confidence. Our ‘House Cup Programme’ has been hugely popular for over a decade in Fiji and achieved remarkable self confidence of children. Activities include sports, arts, dance & drama and children feel connected, praised and empowered through participation.

Outdoor education style days are a fun, dynamic and enriching focus once a week. Led by our leaders,  You , your volunteer team and the youth group will trek to a scenic spot to carry out team challenges, games and tasks aimed at developing the ‘soft skills’ of Fijian youths.   Activities improve self-esteem, communication, team work, resilience, emotional intelligence and help to equip youths with the skills to be positive role models and future leaders of their communities. 

Equipping youths with the flexibility to learn new skills and adapt to change is vital for mental well being, especially for those looking to enter the job market or who have ambition to move to the urban areas. Promote basic self management through conversations and workshops around such topics as; time management, money management, communication, public speaking and interview practice.  Also promote CV writing, careers & job opportunities and local training courses by distributing information from our government partners.

Empower local youths and community members to foster sports into their daily lives. The benefits of sport and physical activity on our mental health are endless: improved mood, decreased chance of depression and anxiety, and a better and more balanced lifestyle. Any kind of physical activity can boost mental wellbeing – from walking and yoga to dance – unleash your passion and help Fijian youths develop basic sports skills so they can run community, youth and children’s sports clubs long term. 

Each morning, you, your team and your local youth group will work together on a range of activities to improve mental health promotion. Within this, we explore perceptions of mental health stigma, discuss support structures and strategies to involve all community members.

Plan, prepare and deliver engaging, fun and educational after-school clubs in your host village. The aim is for the children to have 2 hours of exciting extra-curricular activities each day to boost their self esteem and introduce positive messages.

Enjoy a traditional dinner with your Fijian family. Then take part in Fijian cultural activities hosted by your village, such as basket weaving, mat weaving & kava ceremonies.  Evening activities are also a great chance to open discussions with community members about positive mental health.

We make the most of Fiji’s beautiful scenery and head outdoors for the day, you will work with the Fijian youth group to complete different fun challenges, leadership activities & tasks together to build confidence.

We plan huge kids’ clubs for the children on Saturdays, this is your chance to coach additional sports, plan a dance, arts or photography competition or throw a huge fun day for the children with face paints and fun games.

To Fijian people, the Sabbath day is an integral part of local life. It is their day of rest, and time of worship. Attending Fijian church is a wonderful experience; not least for showcasing local people’s amazing singing voices! It’s a great day to kick back and rest and look forward to the hard work of the week to come.