Volunteer in Ghana!

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Volunteers for International Partnership in Ghana works with a number of NGO's and host organizations. Available Host Projects reflect changing needs and priorities. After you apply, we work closely with your Sending Country and our Host Project organizations to find an appropriate placement that best matches your skills, preferences and capabilities.

Some of the areas in which we are now working include:
* Education and teaching, where we are seeking volunteers to teach English in primary schools, introduce computer skills to students, teach life and vocational skills in Junior Secondary Schools, and develop and build library facilities in schools in communities where students have no access to text books etc.
* Rural development, which could include income generating activities or assisting a community seeking funding to build a clinic, a school or a library, or a community seeking a nurse or a medical doctor for a local clinic.
* Health care, where most of the placements are based in rural areas where medical facilities are not extensive. Health posts are located in some rural areas serving clusters of villages.
* Social services to orphans, where we assess the needs of the particular orphanage as well as the skills and interests of the volunteer. Most of the orphanages aim to provide education opportunities to orphans. Therefore, in most of the cases, volunteers will teach basic English or help in developing creative programs such as art, music, dance, sports, etc. Additional help with day trips, sanitation, cooking, and administration might be also requested.

Other areas of volunteer projects include arts education, film and television, and workplace and business support.

Qualifications: At your host project, your success will depend on teamwork, creative problem solving, patience and openness to other points of view. Your co-workers will expect you to be a dependable, resourceful, motivated contributor who works well with others. Your contributions will be much appreciated, even as you learn further from the skills and life experience of your host family.   As you listen and adapt to circumstances, your friendships with local people will grow. They will welcome you and the goodwill you bring.

Some specific qualifications usually apply:
* The minimum age is 18; for US citizens, the minimum age is 19
* You must be healthy and fit enough to adapt to living and working where host project conditions may be strenuous
If you are applying to work with minors or others with special needs, background record checks may also be required
* Volunteers interested in joining a health program must have proof of their qualifications and/or experience in the health sector.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: While specialized training is not usually required for VIP, we look for many qualities that make a successful volunteer: maturity, flexibility, common sense, enthusiasm, reliability, and sensitivity.

Age Range: 18 and over, except US citizens who must be 21

Participants Travel to Ghana Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement: Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.