Involvement Volunteers International * Currently not running. Check back soon or join another exciting project!
WHY we need you in Samoa
- Samoa has some of the highest rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the world
- Those living in rural areas have less access to education, clean water and limited healthcare facilities
- Cyclones and other natural disasters leave buildings severely damaged and the communities in disadvantaged states
- Woman often do not have equal opportunites to men, limiting their income and status
HOW can you help?
- For health students and qualified professionals, combat malnutrition and public health issues in Samoa
- Assit in local health checks with guidance from a qualified in country practitioner
- Help promote health, nutrition and fitness, giving free assessments to villagers from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Create diet, nutrition and diabetes awareness campaigns, to educate the local children
WHAT can you do?
- Conduct health screenings like blood pressure checks, blood glucose level tests and waist to hip ratios measurement.
- Give educational assistance and local talks (if desired)
- Design fitness and exercise programs for villagers
- Help identify protein deficiency among local school children
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Off the beaten track locations
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: PUBLIC HEALTH, NUTRITION & DIETETICS
LOCATION: APIA, SAMOA
START DATES: CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING
ACCOMMODATION: HOMESTAY OR RESORT (Depending on time of year)
MIN DURATION: 2 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: MEDICAL, NUTRITION & HEALTH STUDENTS OR QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
Overview
The Pacific Island countries, including Samoa have some of the highest rates of diabetes in the entire world. Results from health surveys indicate diabetes rates as high as 47% in certain communities, but on average between 15 – 25% of the population. Some pacific island countries have the highest death rate from diabetes in the world. With neighboring Australia at approx 5%, there is a significant need for nutritional education and healthcare support in Samoa.
Obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are placing a huge social, economical and emotional load on the people of Vanuatu. IVI’s nutrition and public health outreach cater to students and graduates in the field of nutrition, dietetics, holistic healthcare, nursing, physiotherapy & medicine. As a volunteer in Samoa, you’ll participate in an outreach program designed to provide free healthcare education for communities which generally lack access to healthcare services.
Supervised and working alongside a qualified practitioner, the aim of the outreach project is health promotion & free assessments in villages, corporate businesses, schools & community centers to increase the knowledge about nutrition and the effect of physical activity in the prevention of obesity and development of NCD’s.
In teams of 4 to 8, you will perform health checks adding to the data captured from previous intakes and provide encouragement to reach health goals. You may also be involved in preparing educational talks on various topics such as the dangers of sugar and other disease causing issues. You may have the opportunity to conduct health screenings like blood pressure checks, blood glucose level tests and waist to hip ratios measurement.
Location
Apia, with a population of approx 40,000 is the capital city of Samoa, and the location of the volunteer guest house and projects. Apia is also a popular fishing destination and visit to the fish market in Apia in the early morning will surely give you a unique experience! There are also many restaurants in Apia for seafood lovers
Project Tasks
– Conducting individual and group consultations
– Remote island healthcare education
– Corporate health
– Children’s health & education
– Identifying protein deficiency among school kids
– Assisting in the prescription of natural protocols
– Providing educational assistance and local talks (if desired)
– Helping build nutrition and diabetes awareness campaigns
– Designing fitness and exercise programs
– Village exercise programs
– General healthy living programs.
Volunteers may also take part in presentations on exercise and living an active lifestyle, with topics such as healthy eating, sexual health and physical activity for school children.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation will be in resort rooms and local home stays. We work with the major hotel chains who have a vested interest in ensuring their staff receive healthcare and in return you receive very comfortable resort style accommodation at a fraction of the regular price! Above program fee includes everything! In addition, you’ll be staying in local home stays with your volunteer companions. This is a great way to experience the true local culture, with comfortable western style rooms and clean facilities.
Volunteers will generally share a bedroom with up to 2-3 persons per room (single gender rooms). There is generally WiFi included in public areas, laundry facilities (at small additional fee), lockable rooms, hot showers, bed linen, mosquito protection and fans included. Volunteers are requested to bring their own towel. Living with other volunteers is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travelers.
3 quality meals per day are included for the duration of the program. We can cater to healthy diets too! 🙂 Meals will be authentic to South Pacific style mainly consisting of coconut based curries, dahl, fish, rice and fresh fruits.
Samoa
Projects
- Public Health & Nutrition
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1 Week - N/A
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2 Weeks - $1025
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ...
If you are a qualified professional, your help will be of great advantage here and you will be able to use your initiative, knowledge and skills to really benefit the local community.
For students studying health, nutrition or a related field, this could be an excellent opportunity for you to gain first hand skills, practice what you are learning and gain a greater insight into overseas health practices, all under the guidence of a qualified practitioner.
This project can be quite challenging but the rewards much greater!
- Accommodation (Home Stays and/or Resort Rooms – Sharing with other volunteers)
- 3 meals p/day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Return airport transfers from Nadi
- In-country qualified healthcare practitioner coordinator
- Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
- All ground transportation
- In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
An optional week cultural orientation is available, which will familiarise yourself with the Samoan culture and way of life, to help you get the most out of your volunteering experience.
An arrival airport transfer is included for pick-ups on Sundays only. If arriving on other days, you’ll need to make your own way to the placement or alternatively we can arrange a transfer at reasonable cost for you in advance. Just ask us! The daily transportation to/from the project site is also included.
Each day can vary depending on the location and time of year, but generally involves planning and implementing healthcare assessments in the local community. Some of the work you will be doing will be dependent on your prior skill level and qualifications. Our goal is to offer you the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the field while helping the local community.
Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our ground operators will help you organize additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency.
There are many places of interest, including “sinkholes”, blow holes”, waterfalls, forests, museums, fabulous beaches. Weekends may be used to explore the natural beauty of Samoa, whilst staying overnight at one of the beautiful Beach Fales (open house, watch the stars), or a beach or tree house resort. Details available at the our travel desk, and on our notice board.
This project is for students studying in the discipline of health science, physiotherapy & related fields and qualified nurses, therapists, nutritionists, naturopaths, dietitians & allied health professionals. A qualified practitioner will be available to support and guide you during the program. Volunteers without qualifications in this field are still encouraged to apply and depending on your desire and experience, you may be accepted into the program.
Samoa is stunning group of islands in the South Pacific close to Fiji so only a short flight from Australia or New Zealand. The history of this gorgeous country runs back over 3000 years where Samoa was colonized by various countries including Germany, New Zealand, United States and Britain.
Samoa is known for it’s lush and natural landscapes and pristine beaches so nature and beach lovers will be very happy here! Samoa is arguably one of those “forgotten” countries which never fail to make a huge impact on anyone lucky enough to travel beyond the better known destinations.
It’s not generally known that Samoa is in fact the Heart of Polynesia, and is very rich in its Pacific culture. Land and seascapes are absolutely stunning and diverse, ranging from true rainforests to some of the most beautiful beaches on Planet Earth.
Spread over primarily 2 islands i.e. Upolu (on which the capital Apia is located), and Savaii which is larger but less populated. Black lava stone from the non-active volcanoes can be seen in many places. Quality sealed roads connect the many villages and natural sites around the main islands.
Samoa has a tropical year-round climate. Average temperatures throughout the year range from 24 to 30 degrees.
May to October is the dry season and the most popular time to visit for most. The wet season is from November to April, with heavy rain, usually in short bursts. The wettest month is January, when rains can last for several hours.
The major ethnic group residing in Samoa are Samoans consisting more than 90% of the population while there are some Eurasians as well. Even though the main language of Samoa is Samoan, they utilize English in communicating too. The economy of traditional Samoa mainly depends on agriculture and fishing at the local level and at present, Samoa is dependent on development aids, agri exports and foreign remittances
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
