Community-powered change · Ovalau, Fiji

Stronger islands start with connected communities.

OOCSA, Ovalau Outrigger Canoe & Sailing Association, is a registered Fijian nonprofit based in Ovalau, Fiji, with a U.S. based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting its mission. What began with two donated traditional outriggers has grown into a community movement using paddling, sailing, cultural pride, mentorship, outreach, and service to support youth, families, and underserved communities across the Lomaiviti region. OOCSA also provides access to first aid and life saving certification, along with essential medical support, helping communities build practical skills, improve emergency preparedness, and access care when it is needed most.

Children standing outside the Port of Levuka building in Fiji — Fiji · Island communities

Locally rooted•Youth focused•Community led•Culture connected

Who we are

Based in Levuka · Serving island communities in the Lomaiviti Group

Rooted in Fiji.
Built for community.

The Ovalau Outrigger Canoe & Sailing Association (OOCSA) is a community-centered organization based in Levuka, Fiji.

Through canoeing, sailing, youth engagement, education, village support, and community outreach we bring people together and support real needs within our communities.

Our work is rooted in relationships, respect, and the belief that every person deserves access to support, dignity, and opportunity.

OOCSA paddlers returning across calm water beneath a colorful Fiji sunset

What we do

Practical care. Lasting connection.

Our work, in full.

Youth empowerment

We support young people through mentorship, cultural identity-building, leadership opportunities, and positive community involvement. Through paddling, outreach, and education, OOCSA helps youth build confidence, purpose, and connection.

Loloma Box & essential needs outreach

OOCSA distributes and donates essentials including clothing, school supplies, toys, hygiene products, medical items, and food packs to villages, families, elderly widows, single mothers, and those in need throughout the Lomaiviti region.

First aid & water safety training

We provide life-saving first aid and water safety education and certification that strengthens emergency preparedness across island communities. These trainings help equip youth and community members with practical skills that are especially important for island life. OOCSA offers life-saving first aid training to teenagers to help better prepare them for their future and give them an opportunity to start building their resume.

Education & school engagement

OOCSA partners with schools and communities to support students through school visits, learning opportunities, youth outreach, and encouragement. We believe education, access, and support can open the door to a stronger future.

Cultural preservation & ocean connection

Through traditional outrigger canoeing, sailing, drug programs, and cultural immersion, OOCSA helps reconnect youth and communities with Fijian heritage. We use culture as a source of identity, pride, healing, and belonging.

Community health & partnership outreach

OOCSA works alongside community and government partners to support broader wellbeing across Fiji. Through partnerships with organizations like the Fiji Cancer Society, OOCSA helps bring access to free prostate and breast cancer screenings, drug awareness outreach, mental health conversations, special education engagement, village-based support, and HIV awareness. Our work is rooted in service, collaboration, and meeting communities where they are.

Our mission

Why Fiji matters

Our mission is to uplift youth, families, and vulnerable communities across the Lomaiviti Island Group in Fiji.

We create access to education, essential resources, cultural connection, health outreach, and opportunities that strengthen the future of the Lomaiviti region.

Two currents.
One shared future.

2-week cultural immersion trip — earn service hours while experiencing Fiji through community, culture, and meaningful service.

OOCSA hosts students from around the world for a two-week cultural immersion and service program in Fiji. Students experience local culture, spend time in village communities, and take part in meaningful service projects. Volunteers contribute to hands-on projects that respond to community needs while learning the value of service, collaboration, and cultural respect. The program is designed to build connection, encourage cultural exchange, and give students a deeper understanding of Fijian life, community, and tradition.

Two young children at a school playground in Fiji

Loloma means love

Care you can hold in your hands.

The Loloma Box Initiative connects generosity with practical needs across island communities. Each contribution becomes a useful, thoughtful support for a family, school, or village.

Food, medical, and hygiene essentials
School supplies for young learners
First-aid training and family support
Youth volunteer and mentorship programs

Help fill a Loloma Box

When a community moves together, every child, every family, and every island has a stronger future.

— OOCSA Team

Your place in the vanua

There is more than one way to move with us.

01Give what you can 02Volunteer your time 03Become a partner

FAQ

Good to know

Questions & answers

A little more about OOCSA.

01What is OOCSA?

02Where is OOCSA located?

OOCSA is based in Levuka, Ovalau, Fiji, within the Lomaiviti region. The organization serves villages, families, youth, elderly widows, single mothers, students, and communities throughout the surrounding islands.

03Who does OOCSA support?

OOCSA supports at-risk youth, students, elderly widows, single mothers, families in need, and underserved island communities. The work is rooted in education, culture, connection, safety, and access to essential resources.

04What are OOCSA’s main programs?

OOCSA’s core programs include youth empowerment, the Loloma Box Program, food pack outreach, first aid and water safety training, cultural paddling programs, ocean conservation, beach and community wide clean up, school visits, drug awareness, mental health outreach, and community partnerships.

05What is the Loloma Box Program?

The Loloma Box Program distributes donated essentials such as clothing, school supplies, toys, hygiene products, medical items, and food packs to villages and families in need across the Lomaiviti region. It is one of OOCSA’s ways of giving with dignity, care, and respect.

06How can I support OOCSA?

You can support OOCSA by donating, volunteering, sharing the mission, helping collect supplies, contributing to the Loloma Box Program, partnering with the organization, or joining an upcoming service trip.

Support our fundraiser

07Can I volunteer with OOCSA?

OOCSA welcomes people who want to serve with humility, respect, and an open heart. Volunteer opportunities may include donation preparation, school visits, village outreach, cultural immersion, ocean conservation education, beach and village clean-ups, and community support.

08Does OOCSA offer a service trip?

Yes. OOCSA’s Fiji 2026 Summer Service Trip is planned for August 2–15 in Ovalau, Fiji. The program includes cultural immersion, outreach, school visits, service projects, donation distribution, and opportunities to earn verified community service hours.

09Who can join the service trip?

The Summer 2026 Program is open internationally to high school students in grades 9–12. Participants can earn 90–120 verified community service hours while working directly with OOCSA and experiencing authentic island life. It is also open to adults who want to expand their horizons and experience the real Fiji.

10Why is culture such a big part of OOCSA’s work?

Culture is at the heart of OOCSA. Through traditional paddling, Drua, outriggers, village ceremonies, storytelling, language, and community practices, OOCSA helps youth reconnect with identity, purpose, heritage, and belonging.

11What is sevusevu?

Sevusevu is a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony performed when entering a village. It is an important cultural practice rooted in respect, humility, and gratitude.

12How do I contact OOCSA?

You can connect with OOCSA through the website, Instagram, or email.

13Basic Fijian words with pronunciation

Bula

/boo-lah/

Hello / Welcome — the most important word in Fiji!

Moce

/mo-theh/

Goodbye

Vinaka Vakalevu

/vee-nah-kah vah-kah-leh-voo/

Thank you very much

Sa vakacava tiko

/sah vah-kah-tha-vah tee-ko/

How are you? / How are things?

Sevusevu

/seh-voo-seh-voo/

Traditional welcoming ceremony — performed when entering a village

Kava

/kah-vah/

Ceremonial drink made from pounded kava root, shared during sevusevu

Niu

/nyoo/

Coconut

Ibilibili

/ee-bee-lee-bee-lee/

Traditional bamboo raft

C= THlike “th” in theMoce → mo-the

B= MBlike “mb” in numberBula → mbula

D= NDlike “nd” in underNadi → Na-ndi

Q= NGlike “ng” in fingerBeqa → Be-nga

14Fijian Protocol Page

Respectful Behavior

Always greet with a smile and a “Bula!” — it means hello and reflects warmth.
Remove your shoes before entering homes or certain buildings.
Do not wear hats inside villages or homes — it shows disrespect.
Avoid touching someone’s head — it is considered sacred.
Always use your right hand (or both hands) when giving or receiving something.

Modesty in Dress

Wear modest clothing in villages — no short shorts, crop tops, or bikinis.
Women need to wear a sulu (sarong) when entering a village.
Cover shoulders and knees when attending ceremonies or churches.

Protocol & Ceremonies

Participate respectfully in sevusevu (gift-giving) ceremonies with kava root.
In kava ceremonies, sit cross-legged, clap once, and say “Bula!” before drinking.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred places.
Sit with legs crossed or to the side — never outstretched.

Community Life & Values

Fijians value community — be generous and join in chores or shared meals.
Respect and greet elders first — listen and don’t interrupt.
Life moves on ‘Fiji Time’ — be patient and flexible.

Communication

Speak humbly and softly — loud or aggressive tones are frowned upon.
Avoid public displays of affection — especially in villages.

Meals & Hospitality

Always accept food or drink when offered — even a little.
Offer to help clean up after meals — even if politely declined.

Don’ts

Don’t criticize local customs or compare them negatively.
Don’t walk around villages shirtless or in swimwear.

Stay close to the work

Real stories. New opportunities. One community.

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Visit our current fundraiser