Follow us Intagram

The trip is paid for and only weeks away!!!

We will have limited ability to keep you up to date...however you can follow us on Instagram at hefyfijisuva or www.instagram.com/hefyfijisuva 

Information about Fiji

Overview

Location: Suva • Base Cost: $2695 • Age: 16-19Fiji is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The people are warm and the scenery is breathtaking. However, political changes have stifled the economic growth and lead to many health and hygiene related issues within villages.

On this expedition, you will be working alongside locals in a village just outside of Suva, the island's capital. There you will add bathrooms to homes that are currently without plumbing, including flush toilet systems. Your efforts will help to improve the health and sanitation of the people there and increase their standard of living. 

While working in Fiji, you will get to meet many wonderful members of the LDS Church on the island. They will love working with you and inviting you into their wards and homes. On this trip, you will also be able to visit the temple in Suva.

During the weekends, you will travel to the pristine outer islands of Fiji to snorkel with colorful fish and try your hand at traditional net fishing. During these trips, you will stay in a bure, a thatch roof building, near the beach. 

Fiji Suva Country Background

Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific comprised of 333 islands and islets, 106 of which are inhabited. In 1970, Fiji gained its independence after 96 years as a British colony. The islands are covered with beaches, coral gardens, and rain forests. The majority of Fiji's islands were formed through volcanic activity. The islands of Fiji have been inhabited for thousands of years. 

The people of Fiji are warm and loving; they have rich cultural practices that reflect the history of their families and people. The LDS Church first came to Fiji in 1843. Growth for the Church has been slow but steady. In 1954, the Suva Branch was organized, and in 2000, the Suva Temple opened. H.E.F.Y. groups in Fiji will have the opportunity to spend time with Church members in Fiji attend this beautiful temple. 

Rugby is the most popular team sport in Fiji. The national rugby team has competed at five Rugby World Cup competitions, where they advanced to the final matches. In the Fijian population of around 950,000, approximately 80,000 are registered rugby players. H.E.F.Y. participants will find that those in their communities are happy to teach them rugby skills and start pickup games after the day's work. 

The forest, mineral, and fish resources in these islands has led Fiji to become one of the most developed of the Pacific Island economies. However, political changes over the past several years have challenged Fiji's economic growth. Many communities do not receive the funding they need to provide adequate facilities for education, health, and hygiene. During this expedition, H.E.F.Y. participants will build alongside families to install bathrooms and plumbing in their homes.  

Photo album

Here's a link to pictures from the 2010 Fiji project! Yes it's in paradise, but it's very rewarding work mixed in with the play.  They need basic sanitation and our project will be to lay pipes and help with installing bathrooms and plumbing for needy families on the island.

Fiji or bust!

It's been decided. I was looking at humanitarian service project and there's one being sponsored through the Humanitarian Especially For Youth program and one of the locations is Fiji.  There's another one in Tonga that I may choose, but since these are neighbor islands, I figure it won't really matter which one. This blog will chronicle my journey as I prepare for the trip, raise money and then share my experiences with you. Let the journey begin!