Detours Abroad: Projects in Ghana

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

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

Description: Teaching English, Community Development Work, Health Education

Volunteers will be fully immersed in African culture by working alongside the local community. There are numerous work options in Ghana from teaching and working in health education to helping out at the local orphanages.

For teaching volunteers you will be based at local schools. No previous teaching experience is required. The schools are often very basic with limited resources, but you will be following a syllabus. Your students will speak a basic to medium level of English, depending on their age. Life in the classroom can be very vibrant with plenty of singing and dancing. Volunteers are welcome to get involved in sport out of school hours.

Health work involves working alongside a local doctor or nurse. Volunteers will assist with simple tasks such as weighing children, caring and administration.

Working at the local orphanages is also an option. Volunteers may be involved in helping care for the children, washing, feeding and playing as well as teaching English.

On arrival volunteers will have an orientation based in Accra. This will cover information on language and culture.

Highlights: In Ghana, the family experience is often the most rewarding part of the placement. Volunteers quickly feel part of the family, which provides the desired cultural immersion. Volunteers have their own room, a bed and a fan (when there is electricity!). You will be fully involved in the household, helping out with cooking the local foods and entertaining the children. You should be prepared to live simply and eat unusual, but lovely local food.

Ghanaians have hearts as big as their smiles and are known as the friendliest people in West Africa. The culture is filled with fun and enthusiasm, a love of dancing and music. A traveller to Ghana will soon feel welcome, at home and will certainly experience the real 'Africa'. Colourful markets, palm fringed beaches, old coastal forts and Mole National Park are but a few of the highlights.

Qualifications: Any special skills you have will be gladly received. It is essential to bring enthusiasm and an open mind. Bring a smile, commitment and a desire to meet the local people. The key to a successful volunteer experience is a desire to be involved.

Cost in US$: From $1950 for 4 weeks

- Meet and greet on arrival
- Transfers to and from airport and placement
- Board and accommodation
- Project placement
- Back-up and support in-country during placement
- Optional extras such as sightseeing trips, language courses and workshops generally involve an additional cost and can be arranged at the time of booking.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ghana Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Detours Abroad's Mission Statement: Detours Abroad brings people and communities together by allowing travellers to immerse themselves in local communities where in turn they make a contribution through volunteering their services. Detours Abroad organises volunteer placements from 2-12 weeks in a variety of developing countries. These include Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo, China, Peru and Ecuador. Volunteers assist in three areas - education, health and administration, community services including construction, care work and community development.

Year Founded: 1996