“All of our work was conducted at the school where all the village kids attended. It had about 450 students, from years one to eight,” she said.

“The school was in such bad condition that the government was going to close it, leaving 450 students without an education. That is why VESA chose that particular school.

“We would get up and have breakfast with the family. We then caught the bus, with the kids, to school, which took about 15 to 20 minutes, along a small gravel track on the side of a mountain.

“We started work at 8.30am and worked until 4pm. After school we would go back to the village and it was our free time.

After work Rachel played in the waterfall and river with the children. She also helped cook dinner.

“Most nights we would have a Cava (Fijian ‘alcohol’ which is actually a plant root mixed with water) party with the locals and do Fijian dancing.”

While at school Rachel was assigned to either the construction or education team.

“During education there would be two volunteers to a class of at least 25 children. The teacher would leave and the class was ours for the day.

“The children had finished the end of year exams so they were at school but had finished their learning for the year. We mostly did fun activities that incorporated healthy eating, hygiene and animal care because they treat animals so badly. We also did things to do with the alphabet, reading, comprehension, spelling, writing and maths, appropriate to each year.

“On construction we stripped, sanded and re-painted the whole school.

“We built a rainwater tank for safe drinking water and we built a massive compost unit because there is limited rubbish collection in Fiji.

Rachel said seeing the effect their work had on the locals was rewarding.

“You could see how happy we were making all the kids and teachers by giving their school a makeover.

“It was amazing to them – the greatest gift possible. Our tour leader told us that from each previous VESA trip to Fiji, enrolment at the schools which had been made-over increased on average by 40 per cent.

“This is evidence that VESA is doing great things for the future of these children, and for Fiji itself.”

Spending time with the children and learning the ways of the village was a major highlight for Rachel, and two incidents during her trip made a huge impression.

“One of my favourite memories was one afternoon at the village when about 10 Fijians kids and I played a game of volleyball in the river.

“We were all laughing and splashing and I had kids hanging off me everywhere. Then I bathed all the little kids, and then they helped me scrub all the paint off me, exfoliating me with sand.

“I just loved it because that is how kids should be – not a worry in the world, playing outside amongst nature, having innocent fun and no mischief at all.

“Another memorable moment was when we left the village.

“The bus was coming to pick us up at 4am, so the whole village had a big feast and cava party. We danced and talked the night away, celebrating our wonderful time together. We all stayed up all night to enjoy every last minute together.

“When the bus came we got on, and the village people surrounded the bus and sang us a farewell song.

“Some were trying to get on the bus because they didn’t want us to go. Many of us had tears and were so sad to leave.

“We drove off to the sound of a farewell song and the villagers ran behind the bus, waving goodbye.”

It was an experience Rachel said she will – and already has – recommended to other people.

“It is the most fulfilling feeling to look back and think about the difference we have made to all of those Fijians lives.

“We have provided them with an education, which could lead to a good future. Most of the volunteers consider our Fijian family as actual family, so I now will send them money, clothes, and food.

“Even if it is not a program like this, there are so many volunteer opportunities within our own community, and many people in need.

“I don’t think people realise that giving and helping others can make you so happy.”

Rachel said her life has been changed.

“I got so much out of this that I can’t even put it into words. I appreciate everything now – especially the small things such as milk, coffee, and a hot shower. I do not take anything for granted.

“I am happier, more care free, casual, and realise how lucky I am. I have never met people so happy, friendly, and beautiful as Fijians, even though they are so poor and have absolutely nothing. I thought Australians were really friendly and nice until I met Fijians – we do not compare.

“Every time I think about the trip I get a big smile on my face and a warm feeling inside. I am literally having Fiji withdrawals.

“I would move there if I could. I will definitely be spending a lot of my future there. I cried when I left the village, and was dreading coming back to reality and leaving those gorgeous people!”

Rachel said she had always wanted to do volunteer work. “I think people who do volunteer work are such kind hearted and incredible people.

“I realise how fortunate I am and I have always wanted to be able to help others less fortunate.”

Rachel said her next mission was to work with Aboriginals in remote Australian communities. “I have also suggested to VESA to start a program in Australia for these communities.”

Following her return trip to Fiji in November, Rachel said she plans on doing either the Africa or Amazon VESA program.

“But in the meantime I am volunteering within Australia, with Curtin Volunteers. I have enrolled for the Clontarf (Aboriginal school) literacy tutoring program, and also regional projects in Leonora, Wiluna, and Laverton.”

Rachel said she was thankful for the fundraising help she received from Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, a number of personal donations from members of the community, friends, family, the Lions club, Rotary and the Collie Sewing Ladies.