Volunteering in Fiji

Volunteering in Fiji was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn't just about helping kids—it was about stepping into a completely new world, collecting real-life experiences, and building friendships across cultures.

As a volunteer with the local sports program, I spent time at a nearby school leading gym classes and coaching the soccer team. We mixed coordination drills with simple number games to keep things fun and mentally engaging. After that, it was all about letting the kids run wild with rugby or soccer—they had so much energy, it felt like my main job was helping them burn through it!

One of the biggest challenges was preparing the soccer team for a national tournament—with just two weeks to train. We focused on the basics, built their confidence, and got them game ready.  The tournament itself was intense: three matches a day in brutal heat. But the kids exceeded all expectations and were thrilled with their achievements. Seeing their pride and excitement was unforgettable.

Before the tournament, we had a weekend practice trip to another school. It was a great chance to bond with the kids and teachers outside the usual routine—sharing laughs, downtime, and a sense of community that went beyond sport.

The impact of the sports program didn’t stop at school. We also helped in a nearby village by supplying equipment—volleyball nets, rugby balls, and more. Within days, the whole community was showing up to play. Every afternoon, 20–30 people gathered, from toddlers to adults in their 40s. It was incredible to see how sport brought everyone together, creating happy moments and lasting connections. Meeting the locals and forming genuine friendships was one of the highlights of my time there.

Was it tough? Absolutely. Traveling solo to the other side of the world, adjusting to a new culture, sharing a dorm room with five others, and working long days in brutal heat and humidity wasn’t easy. But all the volunteers were in the same boat, and the support was amazing.

The work was more exhausting than anything I’d do back home—but also far more rewarding. The kids were welcoming, full of energy, and made every moment worth it. In the end, all the fears I had before arriving were not even half as bad as I’d imagined. I couldn’t have picked a better volunteer experience.

Who is this extraordinary volunteer?

Meet Jonah Müßig, a 26-year-old student from Germany currently studying history and English to become a teacher. He originally joined the Fiji volunteer project to earn university credits—but it’s clear that he walked away with far more than academic recognition.

In his own words:

“I couldn’t have picked something better. Here (in Fiji) I not only collect real-life world experiences but most importantly meet completely new people and cultures. Not only the locals but also the other volunteers are amazing.”