Vinaka Fiji Yasawa Trust Foundation

Making a difference to the lives of local Yasawa villagers

South Sea Cruises are strong supporters of Vinaka Fiji. 

Fiji's Yasawa Islands are home to 27 villages living below world standards of health and poverty. The Vinaka Fiji Trust was set up by South Sea Cruises sister company, Awesome Adventures Fiji to give something back to the villagers and to say "thank you (vinaka), for welcoming us into your islands."

Through fundraising and volunteering, Vinaka Fiji aims to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities, often taken for granted in modern society, yet missing from village life in the Yasawas.

Vinaka Fiji provides direct aid and acts as a facilitator, bringing those who can help - companies, Government, aid agencies and volunteers - together with the Yasawa villages.

Everything they do is in close consultation with the Yasawa Ratus (chiefs), administrators and headmen in each village to establish what is needed to achieve an improvement in living conditions. The Trust also has a strong relationship with the Ba Provincial Government.

Volunteer Programmes

Vinaka Fiji volunteering programmes cover three key areas: Education; Sustainable Communities; and Marine Conservation. The programmes are based in the remote Yasawa Island villages, where assistance is vital and where there is huge scope for the development of a more sustainable life style. The flexible programme length, from 1 to 26 weeks, and the range of opportunities to help means there is something for everyone.

How you can help

Volunteering is all about giving something back and making a difference. Perhaps before or after your Mamanuca Island experience with South Sea Cruises, you'll spend some time in the Yasawas, lending helping hand to people in need.

We know that volunteering isn't for everyone though and there are many other ways to help! Donations are welcome online to Vinaka Fiji. 

For more information on the Yasawa Trust Foundation and Vinaka Fiji, visit www.vinakafiji.org.fj.