Volunteering in Fiji - Sophie (2020 cohort)

Since my first year at the University of Leeds, I have aspired to volunteer with Think Pacific in Fiji. In July 2024, upon completing my International Business degree, the Tanglin Foundation Alumni Grant made this a reality. The Youth Empowerment Project immersed me in traditional Fijian village life for a month, addressing local and global issues through morning workshops that fostered cross-cultural collaboration, and afternoon cultural courses that further enriched my understanding of Fijian customs. I chose Think Pacific because of their strong partnership with the Fijian government, aligning their projects with the Fijian National Development Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring a long-term positive impact.

Describing the experience is challenging because it profoundly changed my perspective. It was exactly what I needed, teaching me so much about myself and others through cross-cultural interactions. As a third culture kid, finding a singular home has always been difficult, but I now have a permanent home in the village of Nasau in Fiji. The Fijians are incredibly warm and welcoming, and I truly became part of a big family. My Na (mum) and Ta (dad) did everything they could for me, along with my five siblings.

The locals are amazing, with fascinating stories, a love for dancing and singing, and a remarkable ability to find happiness despite having little. Making meaningful friendships and being present without the internet for a month allowed me to fully immerse myself in village life. This trip made me realize the importance of surrounding yourself with uplifting people and the value of meaningful conversations over material possessions.

The Think Pacific team was extremely attentive throughout the application process. After applying online, I had a one-on-one meeting with a UK coordinator to discuss the project and address any concerns. They ensured I understood the realities of village life, which were not like those of a five-star resort. Thanks to my education at Tanglin, I was already exposed to challenging environments on numerous school trips, so this was less of a concern. Additionally, the online workshops provided essential information on medical requirements, culture, and packing lists, which were vital for my preparation.

Traveling to the other side of the world meant I had to budget carefully. The program fee was high and did not include flights, but the Alumni Grant significantly helped. To match the grant, I saved up from my placement year during university. While working in Manchester as a digital marketing executive, I followed a strict budget that allowed me to fund part of this trip.