Malakati Magic - Remote Islands Service

  Fiji

• Other Cities in Fiji: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Please inquire for specific dates.

Description:
A Picture-Perfect Location
Toba Totoka, the name of the Rustic Pathways Island Base, literally translates to 'beautiful bay,' and its location is truly spectacular. You'll awake to the sun rising over the hills surrounding your island home, spend time with our friends from neighboring Malakati Village each day, and enjoy watching the sun settle across the Pacific waters each evening  the rhythm of life on this remote island is peaceful, relaxed and easy. Over the years, Rustic Pathways students have made many friends in this small village, and the people here are always eager to introduce our students to island life and welcome them in the warm Fijian style.

Island Service
Spend stress-free days working alongside the locals as you help them maintain and upgrade the village facilities, and work on other construction projects in the nearby school as directed by the village chief. As you engage in your work, you'll soon start to understand the challenges of living on this isolated island. Supplies reach this remote location by barge only once a week. On these exciting days anticipation buzzes in the air as everyone gathers to greet the load, which may include building materials, food supplies, livestock, or perhaps even unannounced family and friends.
In addition to your service work, you'll learn about the strong cultural traditions that are entwined into daily life on this remote island. From the esteemed chief and the village elders to the families and their enthusiastic children, everyone has their own role and responsibilities to help the village function.

You'll take pride in the work you do for the villagers, develop a love for the places you visit and the people you meet, and bask in the knowledge that you're one of a select few who have ever been lucky enough to live in this picturesque location.

When the Work is Done
Despite the remote location, something is always going on around Malakati. You can relax with your new friends in their gardens, learn sunset fishing, or hike into the hills that rise behind the village. Local children are always on hand for a game of rugby or soccer on the beach. And with the ocean just steps from your front door, a swim in the warm Pacific waters is also an option. At night, join a kava ceremony at the community hall, play guitar, or recount the day's stories with your fellow travelers.

Highlights:
LIVE at Toba Totoka, the picturesque Rustic Pathways Island Base. Located on a beautiful stretch of white sand, our ecofriendly Base is a hub for remote island service and adventure.

HELP underprivileged Fijian families with their basic needs by working on rewarding building initiatives and special need projects within the tiny village of Malakati.

SWIM and snorkel in these remote South Pacific waters and relax along the pristine beach right outside your front door.

EXPERIENCE the kind and welcoming nature of the local villagers who will guide and work alongside you daily.

LEARN from your new Fijian friends how to live like a local in this remote location and immerse yourself in a laid-back lifestyle.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 1,295 USD

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 14 and up

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Fiji in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement: Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded: 1983