Fiji Changed Us

Canadian father and daughter forge lasting bonds whilst helping others in Fiji

Volunteering isn’t just about the tasks we complete—it’s about the people we meet, the lessons we learn, and the unexpected ways we grow.

Recently, my daughter Ayana and I travelled from our hometown in Canada to a small village in Fiji as part of a global volunteer program.

I joined the construction team at a local school, ready to roll up my sleeves, while Ayana, passionate about children, enrolled in the childcare program.

Life in Fiji was a world away from Canada: humid heat, modest homes without hot water or air conditioning, and the slower rhythm of “Fiji Time.” Yet within that simplicity was a deep sense of community and connection.

The best part for me was watching my daughter, Ayana, light up as she spent time with young people her age from all over the world. I could see her mind opening to the possibilities of travel and connection. She’s now talking about pursuing a career that would let her see the world—working on yachts or becoming a flight attendant. That spark of curiosity and ambition is something I’ll always treasure.

For myself, I loved meeting new people from so many different places. Volunteers are unique, kind souls who give their time to help others. The vibe was one of kindness and caring, reflected by the staff who were open, welcoming, and supportive. My highlight was picking up the guitar and singing alongside Teva, sharing music as a universal language.

Of course, there were challenges. Working in construction at the school often felt chaotic and unstructured. We rarely knew what was happening the next day, often lacked tools, and spent long breaks waiting. At first, this went against my grain. But by the end of two weeks, I had learned to let my European work ethic relax. I came to embrace the downtime as opportunities to learn about Fijian culture, politics and way of life as well as share stories, and learn about volunteer coordinators, my co-workers and other volunteers.

Who is this extraordinary volunteer?

Meet Regan Enderl – Director of Photography, proud father of 2 girls (Ayana and Benji).  A strong, capable, and talented man who chose not just to explore the world with his daughter, but to help others along the way.

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