Our Global Village program allows volunteers to make a tangible difference by helping communities in need build safe, secure homes. Through this initiative, participants from around the world can join together to work on construction projects, whether they have building experience or not. Each build offers a life-changing experience, fostering connections across cultures and creating a lasting impact on vulnerable communities.
Earlier this year we recommenced the Global Village program in Fiji! Hayley and Heath were two of the amazing volunteers who joined us and what an incredible trip they had! Hayley was kind enough to share her experience with us.
Hayley:
“Let me start at the beginning…
2024, is the year I turn 50 and I was searching for something different to do than a party I probably would barely remember.
It’s funny how people come into your life at the right time.
In February, I had been at a party (as it so happened) and I met a woman named Linda Tran. Linda told me all about the amazing experience she had had building a home for vulnerable people in Vietnam. I was full of questions, but Linda assured me that I didn’t need prior experience and only a minimum level of fitness. Just like that I was sold! I messaged my family that night. I was going to build a home in another country for people less fortunate for my 50th birthday. The immediate response was “How much have you had to drink?” a sarcastic, “Ok, Hayley”.
The next day I told my partner, Heath, my plan. Emphasizing I was doing it, whether he wanted to come or not! Luckily for me, he was also keen.
Within the next week we were both signed up for a build in Fiji in July!
As the date drew nearer, I began to wonder if I had bitten off more than I could chew. Was I physically capable of building a home for someone? The pair of us had no knowledge of construction and Heath could barely even hold a hammer or paintbrush…
With the reassurance from a friend that I was capable and that it would be an amazing experience, I opened up my fundraising page. It gathered momentum quickly. I could not believe the response from my generous friends and family. I was totally blown away. Within about two months I was less than $100 from my fundraising target!
The Global Village Build Begins!
The first day in Fiji was such an eye opener. I didn’t realise just how basic the living conditions were for the community we would be supporting. However the overall enthusiasm from all the volunteers to get in and get things done was so uplifting.
I chose to start with cementing which despite its challenges, I’m now pleased to say I know how to mix properly. We used the basic means to do this, taking a wheelbarrow and collecting dirt from a good ten meters up the road, bringing it back down to the site and adding cement and water. The tap did not always function and the work was physical but it felt good. I felt strong. I knew what I was doing, and I wanted to put in a big effort for these people, who were living with no more than a tent or a few bits of iron put together.
The end of day two was a pivotal moment for me. We brought in the wall structures for one of the homes. I didn’t think it was physically possible to do it with manpower alone but with everyone working together it was amazing how much strength we generated. The sight of the walls going up was an emotional one. It really drilled in that we were getting somewhere! We were actually building a home!
Day three brought with it another learning curve. Cladding… Putting up the walls of the structure was difficult but as I looked around and saw the other volunteers, I thought to myself, I’m not going to give up just yet! So I picked up the hammer and gave it another go.
The satisfaction I felt in finally getting that first nail in was well worth it and after hundreds more nails and a whole section of cladding to myself, my confidence was soaring! I thought had found my new career as a builder!
On Day four, I spent some time getting to know the community we were building for. Edwina the Community leader and owner of the piece of land we were building on, spoke to us, telling us all about the people we were building for and how they came to be here. It became so much more real for me. These people each had their own story. It really emphasised that everyone deserves to have their basic needs in life met, for somewhere to lay their head at night and to feel safe from environmental threats, abuse from family members, and rejection for being themselves. Homelessness can happen to anyone.
I was fighting back the tears for the whole talk. The speech was one of the most powerful I had heard in a long time. Edwina had became homeless when she was only eight years old. She had saved up all her money and bought a block of land to help others in need. She is a beacon of light to those in vulnerable situations and gave me more purpose than ever to keep building.
Whilst the community was saying thank you to us, I couldn’t help turning around and saying thank you to them for giving me this experience to give such a small amount of my time and effort to people who have just not been dealt the same luck as I have.
The last day was filled with mixed emotions, I didn’t want it to end. Out of the two homes, one was already complete and could be slept in that night.
At the end of the day, I sat down and spoke with some of the family members who had come a long for the handover ceremony to give their support. We danced with the local kids, including a boy I had nicknamed ‘Michael Jackson’ because of his rhythm and spunk. He seemed a born entertainer and I told him so!
The community then gave out thank you letters to each and every one of the 30 volunteers. “Michael Jackson” made a bee line towards me to hand over his letter of thanks. I could barely read the words as tears welled up. He was thanking me for such basic things. A roof over his head, a place to do his homework, that wouldn’t get wet with the rain, shade from the heat of the sun.
His last comment was ‘thank you for our house, you give me HOPE’
Building for Habitat For Humanity Australia has etched memories in my heart that will remain with me for LIFE.
But I can’t tell this story without mentioning my partner, Heath.
The whole trip to Fiji was memorable for more than one reason. Before our build started we, Heath and I went to one of the most beautiful beaches in Fiji “Natadola”. As soon as we saw it we were struck by the pristine water, white sands and incredible snorkelling with hundreds of colourful fish. We both said how it was one of the best days ever! When we finally dragged ourselves out of the water I started getting changed. Heath was holding a towel up for me. Already down on one knee. He said “why don’t we make the best day even better. Will you be my fiancée”. I looked up to see a big beautiful diamond ring. I didn’t have to think much about my answer. “Yes, Yes I will” I said. I couldn’t think of a more beautiful place to get engaged. It was PERFECT!
I couldn’t have done this build without Heath so a big thank you to him for his support throughout the lead up and through construction week, for believing in me and for the trip of a lifetime.
Join Us on a Future Build
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity changes lives. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate a milestone or simply want to give back, there’s nothing quite like the experience of helping others build a better future. You don’t need to be a builder—just bring your passion to make a difference.
If you’re ready to create lasting memories and build hope for communities in need, join us on a future Global Village build. You’ll leave with more than just new skills—you’ll leave with a heart full of gratitude and the knowledge that you’ve made a real difference.
Sign up today and be part of something truly life-changing.