Firstly I will be volunteering with IVI in Fiji on a remote island in the Mamanuca region where there are only approx 1000 inhabitants (some of whom have never seen a car!) Life there is hard as it’s difficult to grow food with water shortages and salt laden soil. The village’s main source of income is handicrafts, pottery and shells, with the local people otherwise relying on subsistence farming and fishing. The placement is centred around a local public school where approx 100 students from kindergarten through to grade 6 come to learn each day. I will be assisting with renovations in and around the school and also within the neighboring villages. Many things that we take for granted in our homes are not available on the island and living conditions are very basic. Borehole water is used for washing and toilets and rainwater is used for cooking and drinking and the island is in dire need of volunteers to help renovate.

I will then be taking my volunteering into Thailand where I will be staying at the Ran-Tong save and rescue elephant sanctuary in ChiangMai. The Ran-Tong family has rescued over 40 elephants to date since opening in 2007 with the help of public generosity, support and private donations.
Whilst there I will be involved in a number of daily tasks which includes feeding and bathing the elephants before the visitors arrive at the camp.

Your donations will help go towards basic school and household supplies for the people of Fiji as well as going towards supplies to the Ran-Tong family to keep there sanctuary running.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, I appreciate it all.