Habitat For
Humanity Fiji
Volunteer
Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................... 1
Welcome from Habitat for Humanity Fiji ........................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................5
Overview of project ............................................................................................................................ 5
About Habitat for Humanity International ......................................................................................... 6
About Habitat for Humanity Fiji ......................................................................................................... 6
ABOUT FIJI ................................................................................................................................7
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 7
History………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Geography .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Culture ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Language............................................................................................................................................. 9
Economy and Currency ...................................................................................................................... 9
Food .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Religion and ethnicity ....................................................................................................................... 11
Climate.............................................................................................................................................. 11
Population ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Time zone ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Electricity and power supply ............................................................................................................ 11
Tipping .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Hygiene and Health .......................................................................................................................... 12
Shopping ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Safety precautions and security ....................................................................................................... 12
Common courtesy / dos and don’ts in Fiji........................................................................................ 14
Lodging Arrangements ..................................................................................................................... 15
R & R Options..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE ............................................................................................................... 16
Travel Arrangements ........................................................................................................................ 16
Passport and visa requirements ....................................................................................................... 16
Immunizations and health reminders .............................................................................................. 16
Medical insurance ............................................................................................................................ 16
Packing suggestions .......................................................................................................................... 16
Habitat for Humanity’s gift giving policy .......................................................................................... 17
UPON ARRIVAL ....................................................................................................................... 18
2
Early arrivals ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Airport procedure............................................................................................................................. 18
Transportation .................................................................................................................................. 18
Check-in and orientation .................................................................................................................. 18
THE BUILD WEEK..................................................................................................................... 19
Itinerary for Build ............................................................................................................................. 19
In-country emergency contact numbers .......................................................................................... 21
Reflections……………………………………………………………………………………............................................…..21
Essential Fijian and Hindi Phrases .................................................................................................... 22
Foreign embassies ............................................................................................................................ 22
3
Welcome from Habitat for Humanity Fiji
Bula!
Welcome to Fiji and thank you for choosing to volunteer with us at Habitat for Humanity Fiji. Bula
is a multi-purpose Fijian word and has a variety of meanings, depending on the situation in which
it is used. Literally it means ‘life’ and is most commonly used as a greeting, like ‘hello’. It is a warm
and friendly word and you will hear it a lot while you are in Fiji.
We hope that your time in Fiji will be a life-changing experience for you, leaving you with lasting
friendships and a longing to return to Fiji.
As a GV volunteer to Fiji, you will have the unique opportunity of being part of the very few GV
volunteers in the world that decide to volunteer in the South Pacific island nations. Fiji is the only
small island state in the South pacific region that Habitat for Humanity is currently in. This alone
make you a very unique volunteer.
Habitat for Humanity’s global strategy to reduce poverty housing is based on a solid foundation of
volunteerism. Tens of thousands of families around the world have found dignity and hope
through the selfless contributions of volunteers like you.
Since it started, Habitat for Humanity Fiji has enjoyed a close relationship with volunteers from
many countries around the world, who have come as teams, as families and as individuals. We
look forward to getting to know you more when you visit us.
Vinaka,
Masi Latianara
National Director
Habitat for Humanity Fiji
4
INTRODUCTION
Overview of Projects
Habitat for Humanity Fiji’s current project menu focuses on interventions that respond to the
needs of victims of natural disasters and those that are economically affected by large-scale
industry.
Sugar Industry Assistance
Next to tourism, sugar is the next biggest income earner for Fiji. Over the past 2 decades there has
been a decline in output as a result of a number matters which, include the global economic
recession and more locally, land tenure issues. Funded by the European Union, HFHF’s
interventions in this project include new homes, renovations, cyclone proofing retrofits, and community
water systems. Those affected are farming families that have relocated because their farm leases expired
or industry labourers that have can no longer find work on cane cutting gangs because of the downturn in
the industry. GV volunteers are provided with opportunities to construct new homes for families that have
been affected by this down turn in the industry.
Flood Victim Assistance
In 2012, the Western Division was affected severely in January and May by particularly heavy and
prolonged rain which resulted in the flooding of large swaths of low-lying land and the damage to
villages by flash floods. The New Zealand Government foreign aid programme, NZAP, through its
partnership with HFHF, has funded the relocation and construction of new homes, the repair of
existing homes and the repair of community water systems. GV volunteers are provided with
opportunities to construct new homes for families that lost their homes to floods.
Cyclone Victim Assistance to informal Settlements
In December 2012, Tropical Cyclone Evan hit the Fiji group, leaving widespread damage in its path.
Many victims were residents of the growing informal housing sector, also referred to as squatter
settlements. The New Zealand Government foreign aid programme, NZAP, through its partnership
with HFHF, has funded the construction of 120 transitional shelters in informal settlements. This
project runs from May – October 2013. GV volunteers will have the chance to work alongside
affected families to erect these shelters.
Koroipita Model Community, Lautoka
In 2011, Habitat for Humanity Fiji obtained funding from NZAID (the international development
agency of the New Zealand Government) to implement a five-year housing project in partnership
with another local non-government organization Model Town Charitable Trust. The funding will
enable 153 new homes to be built in the second phase of the Koroipita Model Community, an
established social housing project started by Rotary International. The first phase of the
development, known as K1, has been completed with 81 homes, a town hall, a school, shops,
5
roads, and water and sanitation facilities. Volunteers will build homes for families that have a
combined household income of less than 50 Fijian dollars (US$25) a week.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global non-profit Christian housing organization that seeks
to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by building and improving homes, by
advocating for fair and just housing policies, and by providing training and access to resources to
help families improve their shelter conditions. An estimated 176,000 of these families are in the
Asia Pacific region, where Habitat has been active since 1983.
For more information, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific or follow us at facebook.com/habitat.
About Habitat for Humanity Fiji
Habitat for Humanity started working in Fiji in 1991. Since then, Habitat has helped over 1,000
families to build homes and hope through partnerships with governments, corporations, nonprofit organizations and international volunteers. Habitat’s work goes beyond construction of
homes. Habitat for Humanity Fiji works on a range of projects throughout the country including
disaster prevention and recovery, water and sanitation, and disabled access housing projects.
For more information, please visit facebook.com/HFHFiji.
6
ABOUT FIJI
Introduction
Fiji is located in the South Pacific, almost halfway between Melanesia, a collection of islands that
includes New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, and Polynesia, which includes Tahiti,
Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands. Fiji is south of the equator, north of the Tropic of Capricorn,
east of Australia and New Zealand, and just west of the International Dateline.
Fiji is comprised of
18,375
square
kilometers (sq. km.)
of land, made up of
approximately
333
islands. Of these, only
about
100
are
inhabited. Viti Levu
(10,389 sq. km.) and
Vanua Levu (5,538 sq.
km.) are the two
biggest
islands.
Taveuni and Kadavu
are the two next
biggest and share the
reputation of being
regarded as Fiji’s
most
beautiful
islands.
History
According to Fijian legend, the great chief
Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the
new land of Fiji. Most authorities agree that people
came into the Pacific from Southeast Asia via the Malay
Peninsula. Here the Melanesians and Polynesians mixed
to create a highly developed society long before the
arrival of Europeans.
The exploration and peopling of the South Pacific islands
occurred thousands of years before the first Europeans
ever set foot on Fiji soil. Many South Pacific Island
7
cultures including the first Fijians, were ocean-going cultures travelling long distances in large
twin-hulled canoes, guided by the stars and ocean currents.
First records of exploration Fijian islands by the western world were accidental. The first of these
were in 1643 by the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, and British navigators, including Captain James
Cook who sailed through, in 1774 made further explorations in the 18th century.
Major credit for the recording of the islands went to British Vice Admiral William Bligh who sailed
through Fiji after a mutiny onboard his ship, the Bounty,
in 1789.
The first Europeans to land and live among Fijians were shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts
from Australian penal settlements. Sandalwood traders and missionaries arrived by the mid19thcentury.
From 1879 to 1916 Indian indentured laborers were brought to Fiji by the British to work on sugar
plantations. After the indentured system was abolished, many chose to stay on as independent
farmers and businessmen. Today they comprise 43.6 per cent of Fiji’s population.
The 20th century brought important economic changes in Fiji, as well as the maturation of its
political system. Fiji’s major revenue sources industries are sugar and tourism.
The country is now diversifying into small-scale industries and the economy is strengthening, with
more revenue now available for expanded public works, infrastructure, health, medical services
and education development.
Fiji’s central position in south Pacific region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea
and air communications and transport. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is
recognized as a focal point of the region.
However, despite the increased prosperity, poverty levels are also rising and along with it the need
to provide decent shelter for families currently living in growing informal settlements in and
around Fiji’s urban centers. It is important to look beyond Fiji as the exotic tropical destination
with white sandy beaches, azure seas and smiling faces depicted in holiday brochures.
Geography
The two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, make up more than 85 percent of the total land
area of Fiji. Most of the islands are volcanic in nature and the tallest mountain, Mount Tomaniivi
on Viti Levu, rises to a maximum elevation of 1,324meters. The smaller islands are coral
formations and rise only a few feet above sea level. The largest river in the country is the Rewa,
located on Viti Levu.
8
Culture
Fiji was first settled about 3,500 years ago. The original inhabitants are identified as ‘Lapita people’
after a distinctive type of fine pottery they produced, remnants of which have been found in
almost all Pacific islands east of New Guinea, although not in eastern Polynesia. Linguistic
evidence suggests that the first settlers came from northern or central Vanuatu, or possibly the
eastern Solomons.
The Lapita moved further on, colonizing Rotuma to the north, and Tonga and Samoa to the east.
From there, vast distances were crossed to complete the settlement of the Pacific – Hawaii in the
north, Rapanui (Easter Island) in the east and Aotearoa (New Zealand) in the south.
Unlike the islands of Polynesia which show a continuous steadily evolving culture from initial
occupation, Fiji appears to have undergone at least two periods of rapid culture change in
prehistoric times. This may have been due to the arrival of fresh waves of immigrants, presumably
from the west. Pre-historians have noted that a massive 12thcentury volcanic eruption in southern
Vanuatu coincides with the disappearance of a certain pottery style, and its sudden emergence in
Fiji.
Indo-Fijians, mostly descendants of indentured laborers, have developed their own distinctive
culture, quite different in many ways to that in India today, as is common with people who have
been separated from their homeland for extended periods of time. Indo-Fijian culture has made
its own contribution to Fiji’s culture with distinctive influences visible across a broad cross-section
of society.
Many other races now call Fiji home–Europeans, Chinese, and nationals from the many Pacific
Island nations in the region – drawn to Fiji for education and economic reasons. Though they make
up a small percentage of the population, they continue to maintain their own cultures while
contributing to the Fijian cultural pot.
Language
Fiji has three official languages: Fijian, Hindi and English, with most people speaking English.
Within the Fijian language, there are geographically specific dialects, some of them phonetically
quite different from each other. However the official dialect used is the Bauan dialect. Indo-Fijians
generally speak a distinctive Fiji-Hindi dialect, and this is not the same as Hindi spoken in India.
Government affairs are generally conducted in English.
Economy and Currency
The economy of Fiji is mainly governed by the sugar industry and tourism. In 2012, 703,000 visitors
are expected to come to Fiji attracted by the scenery, fishing, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.
9
Mining, manufacturing, and construction industries employed 34 percent of Fiji's wage-earners
and contributed 29 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2000; agriculture,
forestry and fishing sectors engaged 2 percent of Fiji's workers and contributed 18 percent of GDP.
Sugarcane is Fiji’s principal cash crop and paddy-rice the chief subsistence crop. Vegetables, fruit,
beef, pork, poultry, and dairy products are also produced for the local market. Fishing is carried
out mainly for subsistence, but commercial fishing is now on the rise.
The government instituted tax-free incentives in 1988 that created a flourishing garment industry.
Ready-made garments are now the chief manufactured items in Fiji. Gold and silver are the
principal minerals that are mined.
Legal tender in Fiji is the Fiji Dollar (FJD). As of April 2013, the exchange rate was approximately
USD 1 = FJD 1.8
Many international banks have branches around the main centres, and will change money and
travelers checks. Banks available include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ),
Westpac, Bank South Pacific (BSP) and Bank of Baroda.
Food
Fijian food is a wonderful mix of the spicy curries influenced by Indo-Fijian culture, and the
coconut, fish, sweet potato, cassava and other vegetables of indigenous Fijians. Over time food
has developed and evolved to the mix of flavors experienced now.
Preparing food and cooking in rural households is predominantly left to women. This includes
fishing the inter-tidal zones to catch fresh fish for meals.
Household incomes are generally low so most people cannot afford to have fresh meat on their
plates on a regular basis. Fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs straight from the local farmer are
staples of local fare. Locals are extremely
talented in being able to cater for large families
with very limited equipment and supplies.
Delicious traditional meals are made from the
most basic of ingredients and kitchens often
consist of just a gas hob, large pot, spoon, bowl
and a cast-iron pan.
A visit to a local market is encouraged, for an
extra-sensory experience of sound, color and
smells. Remember to take your camera.
On special occasions, including weddings and
10
funerals, indigenous Fijians will make a ‘lovo’. A lovo is a feast for the whole family of traditional
Fijian food, baked in a ground oven.
Unfortunately there needs to be massive improvements in health and nutrition education in Fiji as
obesity and heart disease are currently the top two main causes of death in Fiji. High starch and
processed foods have replaced the abundant fresh produce on most urban and rural household
tables.
Villages, especially ones that are remote, tend to be self-sufficient, growing their own fruit, like
bananas, pawpaw, passion fruit and oranges. Food is cooked using fresh vegetables like eggplant,
sweet potato, cassava, bok choy and beans of all varieties, and herbs and spices like curry leaves,
chilies, basil and coriander, which grow extremely well in Fiji’s climate.
Religion and Ethnicity
As a multi-racial, multi-cultural nation, Fiji is represented by all the major religions of the world.
This is quickly obvious to visitors who will see Christian churches, Islamic mosques, Sikh and Hindu
temples, in towns and the countryside. More than half of Fiji’s population are Christians (52.9%),
with Hindus (38.1%), Muslims (7.8%), Sikhs (0.7%) accounting for nearly all the remainder.
All citizens of Fiji, regardless of ethnic origin, are called Fijians. Native Fijians are referred to as
iTaukei and Fijians of Indian decent are referred to as Indo-Fijians.
Climate
Fiji enjoys a mild tropical climate averaging 31°Celsius (°C) or 88°Fahrenheit (°F) during the
summer months of November to April, and 29°C or 84°F during the winter months of May to
October. Fiji also experiences occasional cyclones.
Population
Fiji’s population is close to 900,000 people.
Time zone
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) + 12
Electricity and power supply
The electrical voltage in Fiji is 200 – 240 volts (V) and alternating current (AC) is 50 hertz (Hz). Fiji
uses three pin power outlets identical to those found in Australia and New Zealand. You will need
11
to bring an adapter to use appliances with different plugs. Leading hotels and resorts have
universal outlets for 240V or 110Vshavers, hair dryers etc.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and it is up to the individual to determine whether to leave a
gratuity.
Hygiene and Health
Hospitals are located in major centers and there are health centers in rural areas. There is a large
hospital near the build site– but serious medical procedures are not recommended here. Suva,
Fiji’s capital and largest city has a private hospital and a helicopter medical evacuation service.
Hotels and resorts usually have a qualified nurse on the premises and a doctor on call.
Fresh water is safe to drink from the tap but it is always advisable that you use your bottled water
to avoid problems.
Shopping
The streets of Nadi and Lautoka (closest towns to most build sites) are dotted with small, quaint
shops that offer all kinds of wonderful products that would be perfect for souvenirs. Many of the
shops are conveniently located along the main streets of both towns. The fresh produce markets
are a good place to also visit, even if you're not hunting for food items.
Be prepared to play the bargaining game. Most souvenir and clothing shops will raise their asking
price expecting you to bargain. Don’t take it personally, and expect to lose a few – it’s all part of
the experience. There is no bargaining in restaurants.
Safety precautions and security
Theft prevention
Like any city, crime happens in the main centres. There is not a lot of violent crime but petty theft
is a problem. Volunteers can reduce the risk and reduce losses by taking a few common sense
precautions:
 Valuables and passports. The hotel does not provide safety deposit boxes. You might risk
hiding your valuables in your room. Alternatively you can carry them with you at all times.
During build days, all valuables can e locked in the hotel locker or in the Habitat vehicle and
will be the responsibility of the GV Coordinator.
12



It is critically important to be careful with cameras, wallets and other items while in town
or the job site. Inevitably, all kinds of people wander in and out of the site. Over the last
two years we have had a good run with negligible losses and would like to keep it that way.
Volunteers must be careful with tools and valuables, even at the work site. Do not leave
valuables on site when going to lunch. The security process for tools and materials will be
explained at the volunteer briefing.
Be mindful of pick-pockets in crowded areas where you might be distracted.
Con-artists
The city’s’ and town’s has its share of con artists and volunteers or tourists are often targeted.
These are some of the common con routines that you should be aware of:



You may be approached by someone telling you they are a friend of Habitat. They will
shake your hand and tell you a story of their wife or child who needs medical attention.
Just tell them you are already contributing through Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer Build.
There are also famous ‘sword sellers’ who approach tourists. They appear to be friendly
and ask you many questions but when you give your name, they carve it into a useless
piece of wood and demand you pay for it. Unless you want a useless piece of wood with
your name on it, refuse firmly but pleasantly to pay and say they can speak to the GV
Coordinator. This is not such a popular con these days, but still helpful to know.
A newer con is people asking you to swap smaller notes for a FJD 50 note, to then be told
that you gave them FGD 5, not a FJD 50 note. Just walk on if anyone asks you to change
money.
There are genuine people in need who will ask about how they can get a home with Habitat for
Humanity. You will be briefed during the orientation on how to deal with this.
Security tips








Bring the cheapest watch you own, or buy a cheap watch and never take it off your wrist.
It is recommended that you not bring your laptop computer. Go to internet cafes.
Preferably do not bring very expensive cameras. Understandably you will want to bring a
camera, but if it is expensive be extremely cautious.
Avoid expensive boots, jackets and backpacks.
Bring a cheap mobile phone if you really need one and be careful where you leave it for
charging.
Leave all but the one credit card you need at home.
Have two photocopies of your passport and keep them in separate places. If your passport
is stolen (usually with your bag) this greatly helps the replacement process.
Do not bring unnecessary valuables to Fiji.
13
Common courtesy / Dos and Don’ts in Fiji
Life in a Fijian society is usually simple and laid back but at the same time has structure and
protocols that date back as far as Fijian history goes, i.e. the late 1700s. These rules and protocols
have been passed down through generations and it is important that they are followed. This is a
brief guideline to some of the basic rules and protocols of Fijian society.



It is considered rude and offensive to touch an adult’s hair as the head is the most sacred
part of the body.
Remove your shoes when entering a house.
When in a Fijian village, there are a few important rules concerning clothing and
accessories:
- Women are to wear sarongs at all times (except while on the build site), unless we are
given special permission by village elders. Skirts that fall below the knees are also
acceptable.

When in a Fijian house and there are people seated on the floor:
- If you intend to move amongst them you must say the word ‘Tulou’ (pronounced ‘toolow’) while doing so. It means “excuse me”.
- You must also sit on the floor even if there are chairs available, unless you are invited
by the owners of the house to use the chairs.
- While seated, if you would like to look at an item that is above the group(on a shelf or
table) –
i) ask for permission to get the item,
ii) say ‘Tulou’ if you reach over someone sitting near you,
iii) clap twice with cupped hands when you return to your seat.

When partaking in a ‘kava’ ceremony, a very important part of Fijian culture when people
come together to share a drink made from kava, a plant root:
- If it is a traditional kava ceremony you will be informed. In these ceremonies there are
a lot of speeches and it is polite to remain quiet for the duration of a speech. It is
alright to take photos during the ceremony, but it is advisable and respectful that only
the team leader takes photos and shares them with the rest of the group later. A social
kava session is freer and usually involves storytelling, singing and dancing; feel free to
take as many pictures as you want.
- When presented with a bowl of kava there are three steps to follow:
i) clap once with cupped hands and take the bowl,
ii) say ‘bula’ loud enough for everyone to hear. This step only applies for your first bowl
of kava, for every subsequent bowl just do the first and last steps,
iii) give the bowl back to the presenter and then clap three times with cupped hands.
14
Lodging Arrangements
Depending on the location of your build, you will either stay in a hotel or a community centre.
More detail will be provided to you by your team leader.
R & R Options
We hope you will have the opportunity to travel around Fiji before or after your Build dates. If you
would like to book a tour, you can contact any of the tour operators below, they will be happy to
help you with the details of your tour. These are suggestions but there are many more options
available on the internet.
Adrenalin Fiji
Website: www.adrenalinfiji.com
Email: [email protected]
Fiji Eco Tours:
Website: www.fijiecotours.net
Email: [email protected]
Adventure Cave Tours:
Website: www.historycavetourfiji.com
Email: [email protected]
Rivers Fiji:
Website: www.riversfiji.com
Email: [email protected]
Beqa Adventure Divers:
Website: www.fiji-sharks.com
Email: [email protected]
Safari Lodge Diving and Game Fishing:
Website: www.safarilodge.com.fj
Email: [email protected]
Captain Cook Cruises:
Website: www.captaincook.com.fj
Email: [email protected]
Sigatoka River Safari:
Website: www.sigatokariver.com
Email: [email protected]
Skydive Fiji:
Website: www.skydivefiji.com.fj
15
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Travel Arrangements
Volunteer travel arrangements will be coordinated through team leaders and your local Habitat
for Humanity office.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All international volunteers must travel with their passports. Remember that your passport
should be valid for six months after arrival date.
Many countries are exempt from acquiring visa to visit Fiji. Countries that are not exempt need to
apply for an entry visa before arriving in Fiji. Please visit fj.embassyinformation.com/ for further
information.
Immunizations and Health Reminders
Contact your doctor and/or visit the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at
cdc.gov/travel for traveler’s health information, recommended preparations and vaccinations.
Note: Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area, as
designated by the World Health Organization.
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is included as part of your registration fee. This mandatory insurance coverage
is consistent with policies recommended by Habitat for Humanity International’s legal department
and ratified by the Habitat for Humanity International board of directors. Coverage ensures a
comprehensive risk management program and provides protection for all Habitat for Humanity
volunteers.
Packing Suggestions
We would advise that you travel light and bring only what is necessary for the trip. You can
purchase additional items, as required, in Fiji.
It is recommended that volunteers bring the following:


Long, light weight pants for the build site
Lightweight cotton t-shirts. Shirts must cover the shoulders
16



Insect repellent
Antibacterial hand sanitizer, lip balm
Neck towel for the build site
Cell Phones
Please bring either an unlocked cell phone or you can purchase one in Fiji.
Computers
Bring your laptop at your own risk (the same holds true for any other technological devices). This
said, there are a number of Internet and coffee shops located in all the centers if you feel the need
to stretch your legs and live a little . . . .
The following are MANDATORY:
1). Water bottle!
2). Suncreen!
3). Sun hat!
4). Sunglasses!
5). A measuring tape!
6). Work boots and/or closed shoes for the build site!
7). As sense of fun and adventure! Smile!
8). Electrolytes since electrolytes are very expensive in Fiji
Note: Build sites can be very hot/exposed . . . please pack accordingly.
Habitat for Humanity’s Gift Giving Policy
During the build, you may want to give gifts to the families you work with, but it is important that
you realize the negative impact a gift can have on Habitat for Humanity’s greater goal of
empowering families and communities. Habitat gives opportunities, not charity. Gift-giving creates
dependence rather than a sense of responsibility and motivation. It may also lead to tensions
within a community between those who receive gifts and those who do not. Habitat for Humanity
has more than 30 years of experience working in these situations; the most powerful contribution
you can give to the families is additional funds for Habitat to build more homes.
The procedure for all donations is as follows: volunteers will give them to their Team Leader(s)
who will then pass them along to the GV Coordinator to be equally distributed amongst families in
need.
17
UPON ARRIVAL
Early arrivals
The weekly build schedule officially begins when all the team members arrive at the worksite;
international volunteers should try to arrive together as a team.
If you arrive earlier than the build date and ahead of all the team members, you will have to make
arrangements for your own hotel and airport transfers. Please ensure your Team Leader is
notified of your whereabouts and the time/day you will be arriving in the country.
Airport procedure
When disembarking from the plane, you should clear immigration submitting completed forms
issued on the plane before arrival, pick up your bags and clear customs. Transport will be waiting
to take you to the allocated hotels.
Transportation
Transportation provided to the volunteers during the build includes:
 Airport pick up and drop off
 Shuttle between hotel to build site/return
 Dinner out if needed
Check-in and orientation
Upon checking in, you will receive a Welcome Package containing orientation materials, daily
schedule, important phone numbers and contact persons. Your host the GV Coordinator will run
through a few important points to note before the beginning of the build.
18
THE BUILD WEEK
Itinerary for Build
Standard itinerary
Day 1(Typically arrival date): Arrive in Fiji; Welcome and orientation with local staff member;
Rest and rejuvenate.
Day 2-Day # (typically the working days) : Breakfast served before traveling to work site, Work
from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with lunch on site and morning and afternoon tea breaks, Free time after work
to clean up; Dinner, Time for team activities.
Day # (Saturday & Sunday): Activity in local community. R&R activities can be done during this
time.
Day # (Final working day): farewell dinner in the evening
Day # (Final day): Departure day.
The build week officially starts with a Welcome Dinner and an orientation from the GV
Coordinator. Volunteers will get to meet and interact with the home owners the next morning
when construction begins.
Breakfast will be at your hotel or community hall every morning. Lunch, morning & afternoon tea
will be catered @at the build site. Dinner will be at the hotel or a local restaurant.
Note: We are aiming to be as environmentally friendly as possible. To this end, please make
choices that will assist us in saving the planet one small step at a time! Please ensure that you
dispose of any plastic water bottles responsibly. Vinaka!
Safety and security at the build site
Safety at the build site is our top construction priority. Volunteers with every possible level of
construction skill will be working around you at all time. Taking this into account, it is the
responsibility of each of us to be patient and sensitive. By following these tips, we can ensure that
the week will run smoothly and safely.
Keep an attitude of safety
Above all, know your limits and do not push yourself too hard. Think before you act, and consider
the risks that are involved in all that you do. Also, use the ‘buddy system’ – volunteers should keep
an eye on each other. If you notice that your ‘buddy’ looks ill, help him or her to a place to rest
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and tell your crew leader. Get medical attention if necessary. If you are unsure how to perform a
task, do not hesitate to call upon your crew leader, who will be happy to assist you. Crew leaders
and house leaders should make sure that no one is doing work that is inappropriate for their age,
strength and skill level.
Dress with safety in mind
Clothes should fit comfortably but should not be too baggy (long sleeves should be buttoned).
Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes on the site. Please do not wear jewelry on the site.
Before working…survey!
Before working in any area, be sure to inspect the site. Look around your feet and overhead for
obstacles and potential hazards. Organise the workspace within your reach. Be especially careful
when carrying long objects, such as lumber, so as not to hit other people. Keep your eyes open for
excavations, openings, edges of slabs and slippery areas. If an area looks unsafe, report it to your
crew leader immediately.
A clean site is a safe site
Keeping your site clean is essential to safety throughout the day. You should make sure that
trash is kept contained. Keep track of your tools. If you see something that does not belong, please
put it in a safe spot. Tools should not be placed above people’s heads (such as on top of a wall or
on a ladder).
Exercise caution on roofs and ladders
Be aware that you can be severely injured by a fall from even a low height. You should be
particularly careful when working at a height of six feet (1.8meters) or more. When using a ladder,
do not use the top two steps, and have a partner hold the ladder to keep it steady. Only one
person should go up the ladder at a time. Ladders should be properly stabilized. If the ladder is
unbalanced, dig down the higher side to make the ground level, rather than putting a block under
the lower side. When working on the roof, move slowly and carefully. Be careful with tools and
other objects so they do not fall off.
Take care when lifting and carrying
When lifting, stand close to the load, bend your knees, grasp firmly and then lift by straightening
your legs. Keep your body vertical. Get help with heavy or long loads. Do not lift beyond your
strength. Select the correct tool for your work. Carry only what you need.
Always speak up for safety’s sake!
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If something looks unsafe, speak up so that it can be corrected immediately. Report all injuries and
accidents to a house or crew leader.
First aid is available
A First Aid kit is available on the build site at all times. If you cannot walk to the first-aid station,
have a staff member or your house leader contact the first-aid personnel, and they will come to
you. A vehicle will be present at the buildsite full time in case of any emergency.
In-country emergency contact numbers
Emergency services:



Emergency Police: 917
Emergency Ambulance: 911
Emergency Fire: 911
Habitat for Humanity Fiji:


Masi Latianara - National Director, Habitat for Humanity, Fiji: (+679 925-7584),
[email protected]
Samisoni Loga – Global Village Coordinator: (+679-7073044), [email protected]
Work site


GV Coordinator (HFHF) Samisoni Loga: (+679-7073044), [email protected]
Team Mobile Phone: (This will be given upon arrival)
Reflections - Quiet time
Each day, either morning or night, the Team Leader will put some time aside. This can take the
form of either devotion or simply some quiet time if that’s what the Team leader decides. It is an
opportunity for team members to express their feelings, concerns and emotions to the rest of the
team. It also serves as a time for announcements to be made. This is not a compulsory time
together although it does serve as a wonderful opportunity for the team to build relationships and
bond. It is a Habitat tradition to gather at the beginning of the construction day for devotions
before reviewing work tasks. This provides the context for understanding that house building is
not just about laying hollow blocks or pounding nails, but also about community and relationship
building. Habitat is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Morning devotions should be
planned with sensitivity to the religious diversity of the group. Devotions and reflections that are
personal, open, and honest and shared by the entire group make the activity more meaningful for
everyone involved.
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APPENDICES
Essential Fijian and Hindi Phrases
English
Fijian
Hindi
Hello
Bula
Namaste/ Ram ram
Thank you
Vinaka
Dhanyavaad
Goodbye
Moce (Mothey)
jutta
Yes
Io (ee-O)
Ha
No
Sega (Senga)
Nehi
How’s things?
Vacava-tiko? (Vathava-tiko)
Kaise?
I’m good
Set tiko
Right or Tik
Foreign embassies
Australian High Commission
37 Princes Rd,
Tamavua, Suva
Telephone: +679 338 2211
Email: [email protected]
Consulate of Canada in Nadi, Fiji
Nadi Airport
Phone: (679) 6722 400; (679) 9924 999 (mobile)
Fax: (679) 672 1936; (679) 672 4489
Email: [email protected]
Chinese Embassy
183 Queen Elizabeth Drive
Suva
Telephone: (679) 3300215
Fax: (679) 3300950
E-mail: [email protected]
Embassy of the United States of America
158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji
P.O. Box 218, Suva, Fiji.
Telephone: +679 331 4466
Email: [email protected]
http://suva.usembassy.gov
New Zealand High Commission
Tower 10
Reserve Bank of Fiji
Pratt Street, Suva
Telephone: +679 331 1422
E-mail: [email protected]
www.nzembassy.com/fiji
Japanese Embassy
2nd Floor Dominion House
Thomson Street, Suva
Telephone: (679) 3304633
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