Authentic, educational cultural immersion in Fiji for university students, small groups and families.
Donate at the link below!👇
Givebutter.com/engineforvorovoro Bridge the Gap: Vorovoro (BTG) is a small, U.S.-based company that works with the Mali tribe in northern Fiji to identify sustainable and culturally sensitive ways to diversify its livelihood. BTG then seeks to pair those goals with colleges, universities and individual travelers who, through study-abroad programs and responsible group tr
avel, can have a mutually beneficial experience with the people of Vorovoro and Mali. Bridge the Gap: Vorovoro is the result of a unique longstanding friendship and partnership between our Director, Jenny Cahill and Chief Tui Mali, his family and other members of Mali district. Over the years as the Fijians shared their dreams and goals, Jenny realized these were achievable if a few progress-stalling gaps were bridged. “I came to understand clearly that with the proper investment of time, education, and training, there was no reason why this dynamic and motivated community couldn’t reach its goals,” she says of how Bridge the Gap: Vorovoro began. It was through the development of a close personal relationship, built on mutual trust and respect, that Bridge the Gap’s mission and business model were solidified, and a unique partnership was born. Bridge the Gap leverages the community’s skills, ingenuity and work ethic in strategic partnerships that support community goals. It also develops culturally rich and hugely enjoyable educational and tourism experiences focused on preserving and promoting local traditions, culture and the environment.
26/12/2024
Let’s talk friendship!
None of the college students on our 2024 season knew one another before landing in Fiji- and they left as best friends 👯♀️😊
It's not only great natural beauty and remoteness that makes Vorovoro special, it's also these friendships that will last a lifetime- particularly for our college kids 🏝️
As one of our 2024 students, Riley Parman put it:
"My summer in Fiji left me with a deep appreciation for the way the Mali people emphasize human connection. I came with strangers and left with sisters."
23/12/2024
Every student or visitor who comes to Vorovoro leaves a piece of themselves here, and they take a piece of Vorovoro with them.
🩵A boat engine is much more than just transport—it’s The Vorovoro community’s way to stay connected to the world and secure a future for themselves and future generations, in a way that preserves their land and culture.
🏝️🌏Let’s make sure Vorovoro can keep that connection strong. 💪🏽
🌊 The ocean is a reminder that peace is found not in the absence of waves, but in how we ride them. Take a deep breath and trust the journey. 💙
22/12/2024
✨Take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and unwind. Take this moment of peace. 🌊 🌅
19/12/2024
🧡 This is personal.
We’re not just raising money for a boat engine—we’re investing in a place and a people who’ve touched our lives in ways we’ll never forget. Whether you’ve been to Vorovoro or felt its spirit from afar, your gift keeps this connection alive for future generations. We can do this together. Click the link below to donate and help the island that has given us so much!
buff.ly/3BpNTrY
Empowering the Future While Preserving the Past
19/12/2024
🧡 This is personal.
We’re not just raising money for a boat engine—we’re investing in a place and a people who’ve touched our lives in ways we’ll never forget. Whether you’ve been to Vorovoro or felt its spirit from afar, your gift keeps this connection alive for future generations. We can do this together. Click the link to donate!
We're beyond excited to introduce Oliver, an island program support Intern for 2025! 🙌
Ollie’s connection to Fiji runs deep – he’s been coming here since he was a young boy, even living on Vorovoro Island for a year with his family. As the son of Bridge the Gap director, Jenny, Ollie’s passion for the BTG mission has been ingrained in him from the start.
✨This year, he’ll be providing program support, handling day-to-day logistics, and working alongside our trip leaders to make sure everything runs smoothly.
With a lifetime of memories and long-lasting friendships with Team Fiji, Ollie’s already part of the family, and we’re thrilled to have him officially on board for this upcoming season!💙
16/12/2024
✨ Do you remember your first time on the grog mat? The stories, the laughter, the sense of belonging. Those moments stay with you. 💚Now, we can ensure others experience that same magic by helping Vorovoro get a new boat engine. It’s essential for bringing people together—on the island and across the world. 🌏Let’s give back to the island that gave us so much. https://buff.ly/3ZHQbff
Empowering the Future While Preserving the Past
14/12/2024
Friendship Spotlight!
✨Meet Joe & Wyse – the ultimate dynamic duo who have been best friends since birth.💥 They grew up together in nearby Nakawaqa Village, and are always side by side, laughing, making jokes, and keeping things light-hearted, but when it's time to work, they're all in. 💪🏽
Whether working on projects to help the island run smoothly, relaxing on the grog mat, or making music, their energy and bond filled the 2024 season with so much joy!
Here’s to friendships that lift you up and keep you smiling! 🙌
12/12/2024
🌊 Friends, remember this?
That feeling of stepping off the boat and onto Vorovoro’s shores? That’s the moment everything changed for so many of us. 💚
A new engine is the heartbeat of this connection, and it’s needed now to keep the island thriving. Let’s make sure others get to experience the unique magic of the Vorovoro Cultural Centre experience.
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to the community for the purchase of a new boat engine.
Empowering the Future While Preserving the Past
10/12/2024
This chilly weather has us thinking back on summer traditions! 🍔🏝️ 🍉
Like when the 2024 students shared a slice of America with Vorovoro by celebrating the 4th of July in true American style!
From preparing traditional American 4th of July foods to bonding over country music, it was a beautiful exchange of food, fun, and friendship.🇺🇸✨ 🇫🇯
Moments like these remind us how sharing traditions can unite us all. 🤝💫
09/12/2024
🛶 Hey friends, we’ve got something special to share!
If you’ve ever felt the magic of Vorovoro - the special connection and welcoming culture - you know how much this place means to all of us. ❤️
Now, we have the chance to give back. We’re fundraising for a boat engine for the Vorovoro Cultural Centre—a simple thing with an enormous impact.
A boat engine is a lifeline that will help the Vorovoro community continue hosting visitors, sharing culture, and preserving their way of life.
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to the community for the purchase of a new boat engine.
08/12/2024
Happy Sunday! ✨ To rest is to rejuvenate the soul. Take some deep breaths and prioritize time today to unwind and recharge. 🌿💖🧘♂️
06/12/2024
For Dr. Thornton, Auburn University's Director for the Office of Global Education, Fiji represents a study abroad opportunity like no other! 🌎
A summer on Vorovoro Island is life-changing: full of unforgettable and truly unique experiences.
Join us in Summer 2025 for "Fiji: Sustainability in Action" 🌅 💙
02/12/2024
Among the friendly folks you may meet on Vorovoro is Tema!
Hailing from Vesi Village on nearby Mali Island, Tema is very active in her community and church, and is the busy mother of 5 children.
During your time on Vorovoro, you'll frequently see Tema lending her invaluable support in the kitchen and contributing to cultural workshops and leading weaving sessions. 🌺
30/11/2024
🌺 The Isa Lei is a traditional Fijian farewell song, sung to bid someone farewell with love and emotion. This beautiful song carries deep cultural significance, symbolizing both the joy of cherished memories and the sadness of saying goodbye. It's not just a song; it’s a moment of connection, reflection, and love.
🌴✨💭 Do you remember your Isa Lei? What was it like for you? Share your memories with us! 🙏
28/11/2024
Happy Thanksgiving to all! 🤗
In the USA, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on our blessings, and enjoy plenty of delicious food. 🧡🍴
In Fiji, the word "kana" (pronounced kah-nah) means food—a central part of any celebration. May your day be filled with love, joy, and lots of kana as we give thanks together. 🦃
24/11/2024
Today we hold in our memory a dear friend who recently passed away. 💔
Semesa, your beautiful voice and gentle smile will be deeply missed. A favorite and cherished memory is the sweet way you rocked in the hammocks with the twins when they were babies, gently lulling them to sleep with your deep and soothing voice. ❤️
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Semesa’s wife Kini, their children, and extended family during this difficult time.
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✨Take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and unwind. Take this moment of peace. 🌊 🌅
#Relax #FindYourCalm #Mindfulness #Vorovoro
🌍✈️ Ever wondered where Vorovoro Island is?
Let us take you there! Nestled in the Macuata Province on the northern tip of Vanua Levu in Fiji, Vorovoro Island is a hidden paradise, incredibly remote and accessible only by motorized fishing boat.
This summer, students have the chance to embark on an unforgettable journey to Vorovoro, immersing themselves in its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique experiences.
Join us in Summer 2025 and discover everything Vorovoro has to offer! 🌺
#StudyAbroad2025 #VorovoroIsland #Fiji #WhereIsVorovoro #FijiIslands #ExploreFiji #GlobalLearning #TravelAndLearn #IslandAdventures #StudyInParadise
🌺 The Isa Lei is a traditional Fijian farewell song, sung to bid someone farewell with love and emotion. This beautiful song carries deep cultural significance, symbolizing both the joy of cherished memories and the sadness of saying goodbye. It's not just a song; it’s a moment of connection, reflection, and love.
🌴✨💭 Do you remember your Isa Lei? What was it like for you? Share your memories with us! 🙏
#IsaLei #FijianCulture #FarewellSong #Tradition #Memories #EmotionalGoodbyes
Always feeling grateful and blessed for the Vorovoro community! 🏝️
& we love a good throwback to the 2024 season! 🤗🩵
#Vorovoro #FijiVibes #TeamWork #CulturalExchange
In 2017, Vorovoro community member Nemani visited Auburn University and spent time at SIFAT for training. While there, he picked up a few new skills, including one of our favorites—the Rocket Stove! 🔥 This simple, efficient cooking device, made from common materials, burns fuel effectively by maximizing heat and minimizing smoke.
This past summer, the learning came full circle as Nemani taught Auburn students studying on Vorovoro how to build their own Rocket Stove. It was a heartwarming moment, seeing knowledge shared and passed on across borders 🤝
#RocketStove #SIFAT #AuburnUniversity #StudyAbroad #Vorovoro #Sustainability #CrossCulturalLearning
Testimonial Highlight!
Previous 2024 Auburn study abroad participant, Sarah, reflects on the beauty of humility within Fijian culture 🌺✨
Humility plays a vital role in fostering genuine connections and understanding among people. On Vorovoro, humility is reflected in the everyday interactions of the Fijians. Community and shared experiences take precedence over individual pride. #CulturalJourney #Humility #StudyAbroad #Auburn
Need to get somewhere? In Vorovoro, we go by boat! 🛶
Whether traveling to Labasa town, neighboring Mali Island, or going on a fishing trip, a Fijian boat ride is sure to be full of laughter, song, and fun! 🤩 🏝️
#BoatLife #Laughter #GoExplore # Vorovoro #IslandLife
One of our all-time FAVORITE traditions on the island is Game Day! 🎉
From volleyball to relay races, laughter filled the island as study-abroad participants from Auburn University and our Fijian friends participated in some friendly competition! 🏐
One of our favorite games is the island clean-up! All teams compete to collect trash that washes up on the island. Both fun and rewarding- it gives students and community members alike the opportunity to leave it better than they found it! 🌍
#GameDayTraditions #TeamBuilding #IslandCleanUp #AuburnAdventures #IslandGameDay #MakingMemories #Vorovoro
1 + 1 = 1. 🩵
This is beautiful reminder from chief Tui Mali that when we come together in love, we create something greater than ourselves. In a world that often feels divided, it’s crucial to remember that our strength lies in unity. 🌏
On Vorovoro, each person adds a unique thread to the fabric of our community. And when we embrace our shared humanity, we transcend differences and build a brighter future for everyone.✨🫶
#1+1=1 #Vorovoro #WiseWords #Unity
They say you photograph what you love, and we agree! Living for moments like these from our 2024 season! ✨ 🤗
#HappyMemories #WeMissYouVorovoro #ExploreMore #StudyAbroad
Happy Sunday!
Just like the ocean, life has its ebbs and flows—take a moment to take a deep breath and let it wash over you. ✨💙 #OceanVibes #Relaxation #Mindfulness"
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Our Story
On a pristine 200 acre island in remote Fiji, Bridge the Gap and the chiefly family of Vorovoro Island partner to facilitate life-changing community immersion experiences that celebrate and embody the Fijian cultural cornerstones of humility, respect, kindness, and joy. The product of a friendship and working relationship that spans the last decade, BTG director Jenny Cahill and the Vorovoro chiefly family share a partnership that allows small groups to live and learn alongside the local tribe in ways that benefit visitors and Fijians alike. Our customized programs are designed to support local community development goals, while preserving and celebrating native Fijian identity, culture and environment.
Vorovoro and BTG invite you to join our inclusive community where we live and learn from one another through cultural immersion, cultural exchange, skill sharing and living island life on "island time" - where each day unveils limitless opportunities for growth and learning through connections, exploration, adventure and shared experiences. Visitors are considered an extension of the local tribal community and are welcomed to participate in truly authentic and beneficial ways. As such, we are invited to take part in aspects of Fijian life that are not typically made available to visitors to Fiji.
Bring your open mind, open heart, and a desire to understand more deeply than you ever have before how connected we all really are. Tui Mali, the tribal chief of Vorovoro, says it best: "On Vorovoro, there is no line in the sand that separates visitors and natives. We are one. On Vorovoro, 1 + 1 = 1."
Through daily island life, come to to understand more thoroughly the challenges that remote indigenous island communities face daily as a result of the world's rapidly changing climate. See and experience these challenges first hand, and participate in discussions about how each of us can live lives that support communities living in the most vulnerable regions of the world.
Dive pristine and endangered Cakaulevu Reef, the 3rd longest reef in the world. Cakaulevu Reef is sacred to the indigenous people of this region and the primary source of most income and food. Custom dives, dive courses, and reef education are available, lead by an certified dive instructor from the local Fijian community.
If you are interested in coming to Vorovoro or want to learn more about bringing your family or group to Vorovoro, please visit our website at www.btgvorovoro.com or email us at [email protected].
