We are fully committed to responsible cultural exchange
Our code of conduct sets out the standard of behaviour that we expect from all Think Pacific participants. It has been created to enable you to achieve the most out of your time in Fiji in a safe manner. It also ensures that the communities we work with are treated with respect and consideration. By undertaking our expedition you will be representing not only Think Pacific, but also your country of origin throughout the entire time you are in Fiji. Any breach of this code of conduct may result in your expedition being terminated without compensation.
You must:
- Listen to and follow the advice and requests of your expedition leader team. Persistent misdemeanours shall be deemed misconduct
- Demonstrate a commitment and interest in the project aims and development initiatives being undertaken. A repeated failure to attend project may be deemed misconduct.
- Understand that Think Pacific has a zero tolerance policy towards the possession and use of illegal substances. If you are found in the possession of, or under the influence of such substances you will have your expedition terminated immediately and removed from the project village.
- Understand that you are not permitted to drink alcohol in any Think Pacific project setting or Fijian village. You are also not permitted to drink alcohol in Suva if visiting for medical reasons during the project phase of your expedition. During the R&R phase of your expedition, you agree to drink alcohol only in moderation and understand that at all times you are an ambassador for Think Pacific.
- Understand the different attitudes towards acts of affection and sexual relationships in Fiji and understand the negative effect that any perceived inappropriate relationships may have on individuals and the local community.
- You are not permitted to enter into perceived inappropriate acts of affection or to enter sexual relations with any person within a Think Pacific project setting. When receiving guidance from the expedition leaders on inappropriate acts of affection, you must cease any such activities, otherwise this may be deemed gross misconduct and you may be removed from the expedition for your own safety, and the safety of other volunteers and the village community.
- Never allow any person to enter or spend the night at your accommodation unless you have obtained the express permission from your expedition leader and your host family. Never spend the night at another household without first seeking permission from the expedition leader and host family also.
- At all times remember that you are an important role model for Fijian children and that respectful and responsible behaviour is central to your volunteer role.
- Understand that Think Pacific has a zero tolerance towards stealing and any persons found to be thieving from the Fijian community, or from their fellow team members will face serious disciplinary procedures.
- Treat all people with dignity and respect. Specifically, you will never make comments of a derisory, sexist or racist nature to anyone during your time in Fiji.
- Respect local attitudes, cultures and beliefs at all times. Specifically you must dress appropriately at all times and respect Sabbath in Fiji villages.
- Never engage in political demonstrations or illegal activities.
- Never take time out of your project in order to undertake personal in-country travel unless you have obtained the express permission from your expedition leader team.
Disciplinary Procedure…
Think Pacific’s disciplinary procedure in as follows..
- Upon the first incident of unacceptable behaviour or a breach of the Code of Conduct, the expedition leader shall warn you verbally that your behaviour is unacceptable and shall explain to you the reasons for this unacceptability.
- If such behaviour or breach continues, the expedition leader shall provide you with a written warning stating that any recurrence may result in you being required to leave the project and if appropriate, leave Fiji, without reimbursement of your expedition fee.
- Upon a subsequent repeat of the unacceptable behaviour or upon a serious breach, the expedition leader may, at their sole discretion, require that you leave the project and if appropriate, Fiji, without reimbursement of your expedition fee.
In the event that the Disciplinary Procedure is invoked and you are required to leave your expedition then you agree to do so without causing fuss, disturbance or aggravation and at the time specified by the expedition leader.
If at any stage you feel that this procedure is being applied unfairly or without cause, you should raise this directly with the expedition leader and, if you feel the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you may raise a complaint in accordance with our complaints procedure.
Complaints Procedure…
If during your expedition, you wish to make a complaint, you should inform your Think Pacific expedition leader as soon as possible. We will investigate any claims and try to resolve them. If the matter cannot be resolved during the expedition then you must write a letter to Think Pacific’s UK office no later than one month after the end of your expedition. Think Pacific will only deal with complaints made by the person on the expedition, or for minors, his or her parent or legal guardian
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please email info@thinkpacific.com to arrange a time to chat to a member of the Think Pacific team.