Volunteer Adventure

  Ghana

• Other Cities in Ghana: 
Kumasi,  Cape Coast,  Tamale,  Elmina,  Hohoe,  Rural Areas
• Accra: 
Accra

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: This program is available throughout the year

Description: Volunteers only needs to speak English and be adaptive to local conditions e.g. the slower pace in getting things done in Ghana as compared to the advanced countries. This program includes the following:

* Teaching English, providing education & support for HIV orphans and PLWHAs
* Support for the local community through building and construction of school blocks, hospitals etc.
* Care for orphans and vulnerable children.
* Care for children who are victims of child trafficking along the banks of Lake Volta

This program also has an amazing host family accommodation and cultural immersion set up.The volunteer will have the opportunity to experience the true Ghanaian hospitality which embedded in our culture.

Highlights: The volunteer will have the exclusive advantage of combining a cultural immersion program with benefits from an eco-adventure travel to some of Ghana's most interesting tourist sites. These include the Cape Coast Castle, the Kakum National Park with its mind blowing Canopy Walkway right within the middle of the equatorial rain forest, the Mole National Park with its huge African elephants, hippos, pythons, crocodiles and many more.

Specifically, the volunteer program takes the volunteer to Ghana's rural and suburban areas where there is good infrastructural layout i.e. electricity, running water, and good roads. There is also communication facilities like the internet, telephone (mobile phone services). Ghana is well developed in communication technology and the volunteer will face no challenges trying to make contacts with home from Ghana via cell phone or internet.

Activities mostly centers around teaching, working with an orphanages and partner NGOs undertaking projects in child trafficking, poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS, care and support for PLWHA's. The volunteer will learn and experience African/Ghanaian culture which is massively portrayed in traditional festivals, weddings and local languages. Twi is the widely spoken language in Ghana.

The historic monument of the Cape Coast Castle and the Elmina castle. The dungeons where the slaves were imprisoned, the 'Gate of no Return' it is the last gate slaves pass through to board the ship awaiting them to be transported to work in the plantations of the Americas. Millions of Africans were sent through that gate. The tombs of some of the Colonial British Governors who were buried in the castle could be seen. Details of the history will be told by the guide.

The waterfalls, the beaches, lake Volta cruises and more and more adventure...

Host family accommodation arrangements is made and provision is also made for families with children. This is an arrangement made for couple volunteers with children.

Orientation: Orientation is given on safety tips, currency, cultural do's and don'ts, as well general information on living in Ghana. This is designed to help volunteers get adjusted to the environment and to immerse him/herself in the Ghanaian culture in the shortest possible time.

Volunteer activities: The volunteer will be introduced to the supervisor at site and volunteering activities begin right after that.

Program evaluation: An evaluation form will be completed by the volunteer at the end of the period. Information gathered on the form will help us improve on the program.

Application procedures: An application form will be sent to applicants to fill and submit via email attachment.Processing of placement and host family arrangements begin immediately after the completed application form is received.

Visa acquisition: All applicants may be required to submit a letter of invitation from YUDES to the Ghana Embassy in his/her home country. This letter will enable the volunteer/applicant acquire visa from the Ghana Embassy in his/her country.The invitation letter will be sent to the volunteer via email and a copy faxed to the Ghana Embassy in the home country.

Health:Yellow fever vaccine and anti-malaria drugs should be obtained by the volunteer before embarking on the flight to Ghana.However,volunteer can buy anti-malaria drugs from a pharmacy in Ghana in case he/she forgets to buy one in his/her home country.

Airport pick-up.A staff from YUDES will be present at the airport to pick volunteer to the his/her designated host family residence.

This program promises a wonderful and exciting learning experience for all participants

Qualifications: High school diploma or degree.

Minimum Education: Diploma/Certification

Cost in US$: starts from USD 450. Visit our website for details of program fees. Please complete the online application form.

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 of 10-15

Application Process Involves:

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

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Youth Travel & Development Exchanges (YUDES)'s Mission Statement: To promote understanding, peace and development between Africa and the rest of the world through cross-cultural programs, volunteer services and development exchanges and build confidence in the youth around the world.

Year Founded: 2003