Ghana Conservation - Human and Environmental Program Organization

  Ghana

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year round; monthly departures

Description: HEPO- Human and Environmental Program Org. is a non-governmental organization in Agona Swedru. They work closely with government in reforestation and environmental conservation programs. Especially important to this NGO is setting up a reseeding and education program throughout the area. HEPO also helps with rural development by assisting women in the development of small businesses.

HEPO (Human and Environmental Program Organization) need volunteers to help with the following:
- help create workshops to for market women to develop their accounting skills
- help market women learn how to manage inventory and finances
- help develop microfinance programs for market women who would like to start up a small shop in rural areas. The programs include providing an interest-free loan to women who are interested in starting a small shop.
- proposal writing to secure funding for new projects
- develop new ideas and put their efforts toward proposals and projects in conservation, agriculture, and rural development.

Highlights: Volunteers may participate in many tasks, including, but not limited to:
1. development and implementation of new ideas
2. write proposals for funding
3. helping create and improve training manuals
4. organizing workshops for market women and farmers
5. giving staff and community computer skills training
6. participate in tree planting (this program only runs between May and August)
7. working with staff to enhance their environmental programming

Qualifications: Research and proposal writing skills and/or a knowledge of environmental/conservation issues is an asset. It is important for volunteers to be self-motivated and take initiative to create and improve programs. Someone who requires constant supervision or guidance may have difficulty at this placement.

Cost in US$: $2255 for 8 weeks; $135 for each additional week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ghana Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded: 1998