Destination Guide 2017-18

Make friends, make a difference... Ourmake a start Destinations Help secure the futures of communities in , Ghana and Thailand

Discover All of Volunteer in Ghana

Teaching English / Health & Medical Care / IT & Computer Education Sports Education / Orphanage Work / National Parks & Reserves

Volunteer abroad in GHANA UVolunteer

 Free -1.877.549.8638  uvolunteer.net uvolunteer US&CAN 1-877-549-8638

Introduction Why uVolunteer An unforgettable African adventure Founded by volunteers, for volunteers

Akwaaba If you’re ready to make a valuable difference in the At uVolunteer, our values are at the core of developing world, uVolunteer is ready to put your everything we do. We’re proud to be different Welcome to Ghana, one of the world’s plans into action, and we’re with you every step of and it’s our volunteers who shape the unique friendliest nations and the perfect place to the way. service we offer. When you decide to make a experience all of Africa in a single visit. The difference with uVolunteer, we guarantee you year-round tropical climate, abundant nature, Contents the trip of a lifetime. vibrant culture and political stability make Introduction ...... 2 Ghana a popular volunteer destination in which We work to a set of values that ensure maximum Why uVolunteer...... 3 to experience the very best the continent has benefit for our volunteers and the communities to offer. Ghana Overview...... 4 we serve, continuously monitoring placements for Economical and efficient Culture & Customs...... 5 sustainability and success. Beautifully biodiverse, Ghana is home to exotic Free Time ...... 6 Our volunteer trips are ethically and economically waterfalls, sandy beaches and lush rainforests; Respect for all designed to keep costs down while covering all the Exploring Ghana...... 7 the many national parks provide habitats for wild necessities. Location: Koforidua...... 8 elephants, antelope, baboons and dozens of Mutual respect ensures the longevity of our projects other species, while fascinating heritage sites, rich Making a difference ...... 10 in Ghana, allowing volunteers to experience authentic Varied volunteer travel and tours: traditions and ethnic arts add to Ghana’s unique Teaching English ...... 12 community and cultural exposure in the process. āāIndividual, group and family trips charm. Sports Education ...... 14 Professional service āāDurations from one week to a year Medical and Healthcare ...... 16 Many visitors traveling to Ghana come to experience āāDedicated in-country support staff National Parks and Reserves...... 18 the country’s natural beauty and colorful culture but Our trips are organized by experienced, āāAll nationalities welcomed are struck by the poverty, illiteracy and lack of basic Orphanage Work ...... 20 knowledgeable former volunteers for a uniquely living standards that continue to blight the nation. IT and Teaching Computers...... 22 professional yet personal service. āāFlexible arrival dates every month Fees and Discounts...... 25 āāGap year, sabbatical and study trips Our affordable, ethical volunteer trips provide help Safety and security How to apply...... 26 where it’s needed most; teaching English, IT and āāAn alternative vacation/Spring Break other subjects, orphanage assistance, national The safety and security of our volunteers is āāVolunteers aged 11 or over welcomed parks maintenance and healthcare are just a few of paramount – uVolunteer’s in-country staff are experts Make friends, make a difference... āāCombination programs and discounts the projects you can volunteer for to leave a life- in Ghanaian culture and customs. changing legacy. make a start āāPersonalized programs

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Ghana Culture Overview & Customs Discover all of Africa Tribal traditions; ethnic experiences

Country profile The beautiful beaches and , colorful Ghanaian culture is a combination of age- Most residents speak at least two languages - Location: West Africa festivities and historic castles and forts – not to old traditions and influences from further English and one of the tribal tongues. mention the country’s lucrative goldmining past afield. Home to many ethnic tribes, Ghana Capital: Accra and poignant trade in slaves - makes the nation a was colonized by the British in the late 1800s, What to remember Population: 25, 000, 000 compelling visit for tourists and volunteers alike. with English prevailing as the most commonly Official language: English spoken language in the country today. As a visitor to Ghana, you may find some customs and Despite its undisputed appeal, Ghana is a developing behaviors different from your experiences at home. Currency: Cedi (GHS) country with many pockets of poverty in rural Society is hierarchical, with elders and the wealthy Climate: Tropical areas; outside the urban centers, the more remote treated with the most respect. Ghanaians live In Ghana: National dish: Fufu and jollof rice settlements lack basic provisions like running water harmoniously, prioritizing family honor and dignity and electricity. In total, a quarter of Ghanaians live in as a direct result of the native belief that individual Greet other with a handshake and a smile Max Weekday Budget: $5 daily poverty, around 40 per cent of adults are illiterate and actions affect entire families. Daily Weekend Budget: $60 daily 2.5 million people are unemployed. Volunteers like Address professionals and academics by their you are invaluable to the country’s development. Tribal Culture title and surname Warm and welcoming, the West African nation of Ghana upholds a reputation as being all of For almost a decade, uVolunteer has worked with There are various ethnic groups in Ghana, such as Be aware that there are different traditional Africa in a single country, bringing together communities in Ghana on projects that provide skills the Akan, Ewe, Ga and Mole-Dagbon tribes. Living greetings among tribes the best of the continent’s culture, history, support and hands-on help where it is needed most. alongside one another in peace, tribal members natural and wildlife. Renowned Through meaningful projects like teaching English avoid confrontation and respect the dignity of others, Avoid disrespectful behavior that may insult for its laidback lifestyle, rich ethnic culture and and IT, maintaining the country’s national parks and as is the Ghanaian way of life. Although English is family honor or dignity unspoilt environment, Ghana is one of Africa’s providing health and medical care, volunteers like Ghana’s national language, there are many more. A friendliest nations, attracting millions every year. you can help Ghana fulfill its vision of development. total of nine tribal languages are spoken in Ghana. Dress smartly when visiting friends or colleagues

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Fresh Flavors Other modern musical genres popular in Ghana include Highlife and Hiplife, which are characterized Ghana Put your free time to good use and tantalize by jazzy, guitar-led tunes and sampled hip-hop beats. your tastebuds; Ghanaian food is healthy and Your placement location hearty - vegetables and starches form the DAYS OFF - WHAT TO DO? basis of most meals. Soups and stews are among the most common dishes, often eaten With three days off every week, you’ll have plenty of with rice, corn or healthy grains like millet. time to explore all that Ghana has to offer. From the Ghana’s proximity to the means sandy beaches along the coast to the architecture the local diet is rich in fish and seafood; meat and arts of Accra, Ghana is full of unforgettable is relatively expensive and generally only eaten experiences – make memories to treasure when you by those who can afford it. volunteer abroad in Ghana.

The national dish, fufu, is made from plantains and Most of the uVolunteer projects are located in the root vegetable cassava, which are combined Koforidua – also known as Kofftown, the capital of and pounded into balls. Fufu is usually served with the Eastern Region. The city is located centrally just a variety of soups, such as peanut, chilli or palm a 45-minute drive from the Ghanaian capital Accra, kokrobite nut. Another national favorite is jollof rice, which is making it relatively simple to explore in all directions. White-sand beaches, wild watersports and fishing Exotic and beautiful biodiversity a combination of rice, tomatoes and onions cooked together - often served with fried chicken and a hot pepper sauce called ‘shito’.

Unique beats

Ghana’s musical scene is a combination of traditional rhythms and more modern pop. Harmonized song, drumming and dancing is customary along the coast, while the northern region is known for its stringed and wind instrumental music, joyful songs of praise Cape coast & ELMINA Accra arts center Nzulezo and contemporary pop music. World heritage sites, slave trading posts and shrines Authentic African art, handicrafts and haggling Freshwater , rich history and village culture

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Location Accommodation Koforidua Dorms Authentic African living Foundations for friendship

Koforidua has an array of local attractions, including When you volunteer abroad with uVolunteer, rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls and bustling you’ll have the opportunity to experience local markets. authentic community life by staying in our volunteer dorms. Safe and comfortable, our From Koforidua, you can discover the beaches of volunteer houses will become your home from Busia, travel out to Volta, explore the Ashanti home in no time. Our dedicated staff are based in the dorms, providing region and much more. 24/7 advice, support and any information you need. Our volunteer dorms have between three and five Set in a scenic valley at the foot of sacred There is plenty to fill your free time further afield; visit single-sex bedrooms with bunks, modern kitchen You’ll share your accommodation with other mountain Obuo Tabri, Koforidua - or Kofftown - the heritage sites at Cape Coast, spot wildlife on and washroom facilities and conveniences including volunteers from around the world, giving you plenty is the lively capital of Ghana’s Eastern Region. safari, learn about Ghana’s goldmining heritage and Wi-Fi Internet access, landline telephones and of opportunity to make new friends and build read up on the nation’s historic slave trade. security systems. memories together. Dorm rooms sleep up to four Centrally-located within an hour’s drive of the airport people; depending on the time of year you visit, and Ghana’s capital city Accra, Koforidua is friendly, National Parks & Reserves All volunteers staying in our dorms will be served a there will usually be between three and 12 volunteers laidback and largely free from tourists, offering an local breakfast and dinner daily, with vegetarian and sharing the dorm at any one time. authentic cultural experience for visitors volunteering If you join a uVolunteer National Parks and Reserves other dietary needs easily accommodated. Lunch is abroad in Ghana. Project, your placement base will be within a park either provided at the project site or a packed lunch Conservation Projects or reserve in Ghana. Volunteers are usually placed is prepared for you by your own personal chef. Make a difference at projects across the city or at one of the following parks: Mole National Park in If you’re joining our National Parks Projects, you volunteer at one of the stunning national parks and the Northern Region, Kakum National Park in Cape The uVolunteer dorms are located close to won’t be placed in Koforidua. Your base will be within spend your long weekends enjoying all that Ghana Coast or Shai Hills Resource Reserve in the Eastern Koforidua’s center and efficient transport links, the park where your project takes place. You will be has to offer. Region. making it easy to explore the local area and beyond. placed in a host family and all meals will be provided.

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Ghana is Africa’s most peaceful country and also one of the continent’s more prosperous nations; a thriving trade in gold, oil and cocoa helps ensure Ghana’s economy is strong, yet much of this wealth fails to filter down to the general population.

Outside the capital Accra, many For almost a decade, uVolunteer Ghanaians work in agriculture and live has arranged flexible, affordable off the land. The high cost of upskilling volunteering trips to Ghana’s most and purchasing equipment means that in-need communities; be a part of our most rural families can produce only meaningful, worthwhile projects and enough to feed themselves and little - if feel the difference. anything - more to pay for other needs, contributing to a cycle of poverty. Projects include More than 50 per cent of the population lives on less than $2 per day - almost a āāTeaching English third of Ghanaians have under $1 a day āāSports Education to spend on food and other living costs. What’s more, approximately 40 per cent āāChildren’s Orphanage of adults are illiterate and unable to create a better life for themselves and āāHealthcare & Medical their families. āāIT & Computer Education

Through our education and childcare āāNational Parks & Reserves projects, volunteers like you can help Ghanaian communities develop, equipping local people with the skills and provisions they need to lift themselves out of the poverty trap while facilitating your own personal development. Volunteers joining our projects also have unrivaled opportunities to build and develop their own learning and observation abilities by getting hands-on in Ghana’s hospitals and national parks.

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Teaching English and Other Subjects Main Duties English is Ghana’s official language, adopted under colonial rule before the country’s Encouraging students to speak English independence in 1957. Children are required to speak English in school after attending primary Practicing conversational English skills level but many struggle, especially in rural areas where broken or ‘Pidgin’ English is often Assisting students with English pronunciation spoken in combination with indigenous tribal language. Helping out in other subject lessons NOTES Join a uVolunteer teaching placement and work Working with smaller groups of students alongside teachers in elementary schools, high ÝÝVolunteers are welcome to bring their own schools and orphanages, equipping children in rural educational materials as locally-available resources areas with the basic skills they need to open the Quick Reference Guide are limited – be prepared to improvise doors of opportunity to a brighter future. Placement location: Koforidua, Eastern Region ÝÝVolunteers may work across different schools and You’ll be placed at a school or orphanage in rural Minimum trip duration: 2 weeks education centers depending on the length of the Bronagh Faherty Koforidua where you’ll assist teachers in the delivery Education types: Elementary school, high school program selected of classes, helping make lessons fun and engaging. and orphanage schools 54 YEArs, SPAIN You’ll mainly focus on helping students practice Age of students: From 5 to 12 ÝÝWhere you are based will depend on the time of  The children were some of the poorest I their conversational English and fine-tune their Minimum age of volunteers: 18 year you travel to Ghana and will be assessed in have ever seen but so friendly and pleasant pronunciation but will also supervise and teach other Role: Teaching assistant terms of which schools are most in need of volunteer - even on that first day I realized they would subject lessons, such as math, science, physics and Language requirements: English support at the time be teaching us more on the value of life than geography. Dress code: Smart casual we would be teaching them. This memorable Suitable for groups: Yes ÝÝProject closed dates are from the second week of experience is one I would have no hesitation Our volunteers don’t require any formal qualifications Suitable for families: Yes December for three weeks and for three weeks at – as long as you’re educated to high school level and Easter. The project is also closed during July and recommending to others  have a desire to work with underprivileged youths, Work schedule August for summer, reopening in the second week of you’re welcome to join the project. There will always September be a qualified teacher present to oversee lessons and The schedule will be four days per week, from provide volunteers with support. Monday to Thursday, 8am until 2pm local time.

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Sport – especially football – is enduringly Main Duties popular in Ghana, and physical education (PE) is an integral part of the high school curriculum. Planning and delivering theoretical and practical However, many promising young sportsmen physical education lessons and women miss out on opportunities to develop their talents because their schools Assisting teachers in preparing sports classes have limited resources and prioritize more traditional subjects above PE. Encouraging physical activity among students

In wealthy areas like the capital, young athletes can Teaching children about new sports Morning sessions: Hours are from 7am to 10am. build and perfect their skills thanks to sponsorship Afternoon sessions: Hours are from 3pm to 5pm. from their school, family or international teams. In Assisting in sports training and local tournaments more deprived areas throughout the Eastern and NOTES Northern regions, the same opportunities do not exist. Quick Reference Guide ÝÝIf you have a special skill or sporting talent that you Suitable for volunteers interested in sports, the would like to share, we can custom-build a program uVolunteer Sports Education Project helps these Placement location: Koforidua, Eastern Region tailored to your chosen sport Michael Benko youngsters develop their sporting abilities, learn Minimum trip duration: 2 weeks about why physical activity is important and fun, and Education types: High school ÝÝVolunteers are invited to bring their own teaching 21 YEArs, provides them with the opportunity to discover where Age of students: From 14 to 18 or training materials and equipment – be prepared to  Despite the amount of poverty in Ghana, their talents lie. Minimum age of volunteers: 17 teach in settings with limited resources I can say with confidence that Ghanaians Role: PE teacher/assistant are the most genuinely nice people I have Volunteer abroad in Ghana on our Sports Education Language requirements: English ÝÝDress code is smart for classroom teaching and ever been around in my life. I had a lot of fun Project and share your knowledge and skills with Dress code: Smart casual casual sportswear for fieldwork; volunteers are teaching and made good friends along the children and teenagers in both practical and Suitable for groups and families: Yes advised to wear modest dress, avoiding excessively way – I would recommend the uVolunteer theoretical lessons. low-cut shorts or tank tops Work schedule program to anybody  Classes take place in the morning and afternoons, ÝÝProject closed dates are from the second week of avoiding midday when the sun is at its hottest. You Volunteers on our Sports Education Project work four December for three weeks and for three weeks at may teach individual or group lessons at one or more days per week, Monday through Thursday. Lessons Easter. The project is closed during July and August schools around Koforidua. are split into morning and afternoon periods. reopening in the second week of September

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Healthcare is a growing priority in Ghana, Main Duties where a lack of adequate sanitation and risk of insect-borne diseases like malaria are regularly Performing tasks like drawing blood and setting linked to the need for medical assistance. up IV lines in the surgical ward

Volunteer abroad on our Medical and Healthcare Assessing pediatric patients and learning how to Project at a hospital in Koforidua for a once-in-a- diagnose different conditions lifetime chance to experience medical practices in a developing country. Build on your skills and Supporting staff and patients in the prenatal, labor experience working in a busy hospital for a firm and postnatal wards Please be aware that schedules are open to change foundation in healthcare on your return home. depending on the hospital or department you are Assisting with rehabilitation in the outpatient placed in. Suitable for volunteers with an interest in healthcare, department the project calls for hands-on help in a variety NOTES of departments and the opportunity to observe diagnoses and treatment of conditions not common Quick Reference Guide ÝÝIf you are medically qualified, you can apply for a in Europe and North America, including typhoid and temporary certificate to work in Ghana – this will add Austin Ikechi leprosy. Placement location: Koforidua, Eastern Region roughly $75 to your program fee Minimum trip duration: 3 weeks 24 YEArs, United States Placements are offered to healthcare students Minimum age of volunteers: 18 ÝÝVolunteers can be placed in a variety of  This felt like a crash course in medicine - or professionals, pre-med students or volunteers Role: Healthcare assistant departments, including nursing and dentistry, with an interest in the medical field. Volunteers are Language requirements: English accident and emergency, pharmacy, orthopedics, it was hands-on and I started learning right placed in departments that include physical therapy, Dress code: Smart/professional maternity or midwifery, physical therapy, general away. It made me appreciate the jobs being maternity, general practice ward and surgical Suitable for groups: Yes practice wards and surgical departments done by doctors in developing countries; departments. Suitable for families: No without state-of-the-art facilities, they do their ÝÝ The project is closed during the fourth week of best to save the lives of those they treat  You’ll work directly with a departmental head or an Work schedule December and on Easter Sunday and Monday assigned member of staff and, if you’re planning to volunteer abroad for at least four weeks, you Volunteers on our Medical and Healthcare Project ÝÝPlease check the uVolunteer website for details of can combine working in several of the hospital’s work four days per week, Monday to Thursday, from any Ghanaian national holidays departments for a more comprehensive experience. 8am until 3pm.

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The varied landscapes, ecosystems and Main Duties are represented in 16 national parks and reserves across the country, Helping maintain the park or reserve through where indigenous and is protected general upkeep and trail clearing from threats like deforestation, illegal logging and poaching. Renovating or constructing park facilities and contributing to land stewardship projects Africa’s deforestation rate is twice that of the rest of Work schedule Mole National Park, Northern Region – Ghana’s the world, and overdependence on specific species Assisting visitors to the park and promoting its largest national park, Mole offers some of of tree for firewood, construction and wood carving is tourist appeal Volunteers on our National Parks and Reserves the cheapest safaris in Africa, providing real a particular threat to Ghana’s environment. Project work five days per week, Monday to Friday, opportunities to get close to wild animals, including Completing admin tasks in the office, including from 8am until 3pm. Schedules and exact duties elephants, warthogs, antelope, baboons and buffalo. Join a uVolunteer National Parks and Reserves research, documentation and data entry can vary depending on the park you’re based at, any Project to learn more about the vital work carried qualifications you have, the time and duration of your NOTES out by the Wildlife Division of Ghana’s Forestry Ecologist volunteers can help out with special stay and any particular needs within the park at the Commission and make a valuable contribution to research and documentation projects time you visit. ÝÝThe parks and reserves are open to the public and environmental management and preservation. receive a steady stream of visitors – volunteers need Media-inclined volunteers can get involved with We offer placements at three parks and to fit in quickly and be ready to get hands-on Wherever your skills lie, there are ways to help park projects in video creation, photography and reserves: preserve the flora and fauna of Ghana’s parks and graphic arts ÝÝIf you join the uVolunteer National Parks and reserves. From hands-on help clearing trails to Kakum National Park, Central Region – A famous Reserves Project at Mole National Park, please note behind-the-scenes office tasks like recording wildlife beauty spot, Kakum National Park consists largely that the minimum placement duration is four weeks populations, we offer a range of opportunities to Quick Reference Guide of virgin rainforest. A top attraction is the Canopy make a difference. Walkway – a series of seven treetop bridges that offer ÝÝNational parks and reserves volunteers are placed Placement location: Various breath-taking views over the park. with a host family – usually one of the park rangers Volunteers are placed in a fully-functioning national Minimum trip duration: 2 weeks (see Notes) – and live either in the park or in a nearby village, park or reserve, experiencing tropical environments Minimum age of volunteers: 18 Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Greater Accra receiving three meals daily and wildlife in its natural habitat. Help out with Role: National parks assistant – Situated close to the capital Accra, Shai Hills daily park management and administration while Language requirements: English Resource Reserve is filled with wildlife and natural ÝÝPlease contact uVolunteer before making your contributing to special projects designed to conserve Dress code: Outdoor working clothes attractions. Climb to the top of the Adwuku cave for booking so we can advise on which park will best Ghana’s beautiful biodiversity. Suitable for groups and families: No a spectacular view of the expansive Accra . suit your skillset and motivation for volunteering

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As a developing country, Ghana lacks the Main Duties advanced healthcare and sanitation of Western nations, and life expectancy in the Teaching English and other subjects at the nation is understandably lower as a result. orphanage school Work schedule ÝÝSchool holidays are for three weeks in December/ Many children in Ghana’s rural areas can January for Christmas, three weeks over March and lose their parents at an early age, making the Interacting with youngsters and encouraging Volunteers on our Orphanage Work Project attend April for Easter and for the whole of August until the country’s orphanages vital lifelines in providing routine placement four days per week, Monday through second week of September for summer these youths with board, meals and even an Thursday. You will usually work for between four education. Feeding, washing and playing with toddlers and six hours per day but this schedule is liable to change depending on where you’re based, how More than a million children in Ghana are orphaned Helping in the kitchen and supervising mealtimes many other volunteers are onsite at the same time as a result of disease, financial struggle and and whether it is school term time or the holidays. abandonment, but volunteers like you can make Assisting with homework a valuable difference to their lives through your Most of the children attend a school onsite or support, encouragement and interaction. Playing sports with the children nearby; volunteers are also asked to work in the school helping teach subjects like English, math and There are two types of orphanage in Ghana - the Organizing fun activities including storytime, geography. Justine Birrane large, institutional kinds run by the government reading, arts and crafts and the smaller private orphanages funded by NOTES 24 YEArs, United States local organizations, church groups and families.  I formed close bonds with the children On a uVolunteer Orphanage Work Project, you’ll Quick Reference Guide ÝÝVolunteer working hours are divided between and took in each moment with them. My spend time with children in one of three small, rural general duties in the orphanage and teaching or time in Ghana has been life-changing; I’ve orphanages around Koforidua. Placement location: Koforidua, Eastern Region helping out at the onsite school where applicable made lifelong friends and will cherish these Minimum trip duration: 2 weeks memories forever. I encourage everyone to Limited resources and high child-to-staff ratios Minimum age of volunteers: 17 – younger for group ÝÝDuring the school holidays, staff will need extra experience life through the eyes and hearts means the children and orphanage staff are truly trips help as the children will be at the orphanage home all grateful for the work of our international volunteers; Role: Orphanage assistant day. Volunteers are encouraged to organize both fun of Ghana’s children - you won’t regret it  join one of uVolunteer’s most rewarding placements Language requirements: English and educational activities to keep the children busy and enrich the childhoods of Ghana’s disadvantaged Dress code: Smart casual during these long days youth with fun activities, sports, learning assistance Suitable for groups: Yes and emotional support. Suitable for families: Yes

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Computer literacy is an increasingly desirable Main Duties skill in Ghana as the nation works to fulfil its goal of becoming a developed country by 2029. Assisting ICT teachers in the computer lab Rising tourism levels means the number of jobs available are increasing, which in turn brings a Helping students get to grips with basic computer growing need for IT and computer proficiency. skills, including typing and general functionality

Join a uVolunteer IT and Computer Education Project Teaching students how to use simple software to help Ghana’s schoolchildren establish these basic like Microsoft Office skills and widen their opportunities for success in the Work schedule future. Showcasing any advanced skills you have, including programming, animation, audio Volunteers attend placement four days per week, Working with high school students and their creation, design and image manipulation with Monday through Thursday, from 8am until 2pm. teachers in a computer lab, you’ll have the chance Photoshop to take classes and assist educators, sharing your NOTES knowledge and helping students broaden their Teaching students to use the Internet for research ÝÝ prospects. Volunteers are invited to bring educational software Heather Garnell Assisting with basic hardware setup or materials to placement if they will be useful Volunteers on our IT and Computer Education Project teaching aids 30 YEArs, United States are not required to have any official ICT credentials –  The children at my school were so as long as you have experience of using computers Quick Reference Guide ÝÝIf you have advanced computer skills, or have wonderful, respectful and thoughtful - they and a desire to share your skills, you are more than specialized in a dedicated area like programming or made me feel welcome, as did the staff. qualified to join the program. Placement location: Koforidua, Eastern Region image manipulation, please feel free to share your My three weeks in Koforidua have been Minimum trip duration: 2 weeks knowledge in class amazing, I certainly stepped outside my From basic ICT skills to more advanced computer Minimum age of volunteers: 18 comfort zone by coming on this adventure, functions, you can share your knowledge with high Role: ICT teaching assistant ÝÝProject closed dates are from the second week school pupils in underprivileged areas to provide Language requirements: English of December for three weeks and for three weeks but am so glad I did  them with opportunities they may otherwise never Dress code: Smart professional at Easter. The project is closed during July and receive. This grounding in key computer skills can Suitable for groups: Yes August for summer, reopening in the second week of help secure students a future in employment. Suitable for families: Yes September

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Fees Arrival & Discounts Dates Minimal fees; maximum value Start dates to suit you

Our Ghana volunteer trips are designed to offer Discounts & FREE Trips maximum value – we charge the minimum possible to cover volunteer accommodation, meals and There are a number of ways to benefit from discounts When you want to travel and how long We recommend at least a three-month trip to get the associated project costs. and reduced fees on your volunteer trip: you would like to stay for are important most from your volunteer vacation but will guarantee considerations when booking a volunteer trip you receive great value however long you stay. Dedicated uVolunteer staff are based in-country Combination programs – Combine two projects and to Ghana. At uVolunteer, we arrange affordable and work directly with local social organizations, pay the minimum fee for project one and the extra trips every month of the year, offering ARRIVAL Dates - 2017 which keeps costs down and means we don’t need fee rate for the remaining weeks, or complete two maximum flexibility to suit your schedule. January 13, 27 February 10 & 24 to pass on any undue charges to our volunteers. It projects concurrently and only pay for one. You can March 10 & 24 April 7 & 21 also means we can support the local economy and also combine projects across our other volunteer Our program arrival days are every other Friday, with May 5 & 19 June 2, 16 & 30 ensures our trips are as sustainable as possible. destinations (Costa Rica and Thailand) and benefit volunteers arriving at Kotoka International Airport, July 14 & 28 August 11 & 25 from a $150 discount for each additional location. in Ghana between 6am and 8pm local time. Groups September 8 & 22 October 6 & 20 Fees cover the cost of boarding, meals, airport are permitted to arrive outside our set arrival times November 3 & 17 December 1, 15 & 29 pickup, volunteer insurance, staff wages and the Group trips – If you’re traveling with family or friends but this must be agreed upon during the reservation general upkeep of uVolunteer. When you book a in a small group of three or more, your party can take process. ARRIVAL Dates - 2018 volunteer vacation with us, you can be confident advantage of discounts between $200 and $400 for January 12, 26 February 9 & 23 you’re getting value for money with no hidden fees. groups of up to five. Larger groups of at least six We can organize volunteer trips that are tailored March 9 & 23 April 6 & 20 people are eligible for a 10% discount on program to your schedule; if you have a couple of weeks to May 4 & 18 June 1, 15 & 29 Ghana Program FEES - 2015-16 fees. To qualify, one person must be the designated spare in your college holidays or want to take a few July 13 & 27 August 10 & 24 1 week...... $576 2 weeks...... $702 team leader and book for the group. The team must months out of work to make a difference, we can September 7 & 21 October 5 & 19 3 weeks...... $828 4 weeks...... $954 arrive together and enroll on the same project. arrange a volunteer vacation tailored to you. November 2, 16 & 30 December 14 & 28 5 weeks...... $1080 6 weeks...... $1206 7 weeks...... $1332 8 weeks...... $1458 Our Representative Program – Promote our In our experience, it takes approximately four weeks The longer your program, the more value for money 10 weeks...... $1710 12 weeks...... $1926 program and earn 50% off our program fee for to get accustomed to your host country and the new you receive, and the greater the opportunity you’ll ------referring five people who book or earn a free program culture – in the fifth week, volunteers report feeling have to see more of Ghana, meet new friends and Add $126 ($18 daily) for each extra week. for helping recruit ten people. Earn a free program more relaxed, at home and engaged in their project. make a real difference. Healthcare/National Parks projects add $100. and airfare for helping recruit 15 volunteers.

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How When to apply to apply Make friends, make a difference - make a start The application timeline

If you’re ready to embark on the journey of a ÝÝCheck for your acceptance email, which will Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may 2 weeks before you travel lifetime, uVolunteer is ready to put your plan contain your program documentation. If we can’t not need a visa, or might only require a tourist visa into action. Check out our timeline below for an accommodate you, you’ll receive a full refund. Please for your trip. ÝÝApproximately two weeks before departure you’ll at-a-glance guide to the application process. do not book any travel tickets before your program receive the uVolunteer Arrival Info Sheet, which documentation arrives. 4 weeks before you travel has instructions and information about the pick-up 3 months before YOU travel process - including details of the volunteer ÝÝAhead of traveling you’ll need to prepare your ÝÝAround a month before traveling you will receive coordinator who will meet you at the airport. ÝÝWe recommend you submit your reservation online passport. If you don’t have a passport we recommend your travel insurance policy from International It’s important to read this and keep it safe for a at least three months before traveling, along with applying at least three months before you plan to Volunteer Card. successful transfer. We look forward to your arrival! a deposit of $349 to secure your place. The balance travel. If you already have a passport, check it’s still will need to be paid in full 60 days before your arrival. valid and that you have room for more stamps. ÝÝYou will need to have made arrangements with NOTES your doctor for any vaccinations you might require. ÝÝWe’ll send you an application form to complete – 6 weeks before you travel Depending on where you’re traveling to you may not ÝÝIf you need to make changes to your application please provide relevant details about identity, health need any immunizations but it’s wise to check. after you’ve been accepted by uVolunteer, we will and skills, as well as your motivation for wanting to ÝÝIdeally, you should book your flights as soon as endeavor to accommodate you but may have to pass volunteer in Ghana. Parental authorization forms will possible after arranging your volunteer trip. About six ÝÝYou should also discuss any medication you may on any fees we incur as a result. Cancellation fees be included if applicable. weeks before traveling is the latest time to purchase need to pick up before you travel. apply and are charged on a sliding scale relevant to an affordable flight, so don’t leave it to chance. how close to your arrival date you cancel – there is ÝÝReturn your application form and uVolunteer Alternatively, if you book a uVolunteer premium ÝÝRead through your volunteer information pack and no refund for volunteers who cancel less than one will create your volunteer profile. The acceptance package, we will arrange flights for you. get in touch with your program coordinator with any month before departure. Our terms and conditions process takes between two and seven days – most queries you have. can be found at the bottom of every page of our volunteers who are physically able and have strong ÝÝAt this time, you should look into sending off your website. motivational grounds for volunteering are accepted. visa application.

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Children as young as 11 can join up to a program volunteers in your dorm at any one time, although the provided the group’s team leader is a parent or number can increase to 12 depending on the season. teacher over the age of 21. Groups of more than Our busiest period is from spring to September, so FAQs three people qualify for discounts. please book well in advance to secure your place. Know before you go How safe is GHANA? Language Requirement

At uVolunteer, we only send volunteers to Ghana’s national language is English, so we destinations that we are certain are safe. Ghana is recommend volunteers have at least intermediate politically stable and free from civil unrest, welcoming English language skills when joining a uVolunteer When to book? What’s not included? international volunteers with great appreciation. Our project in Ghana. Most Ghanaians also speak a local volunteer location of Koforidua is safe and secure, tribal language. We recommend you book your volunteer abroad Volunteers are responsible for flights, any visa costs, with all volunteers benefiting from a safety briefing break between three and six months in advance, personal expenses, transport to and from work, and round-the-clock staff support. Donations to projects but if you want to arrange your trip less than three return trip to airport, weekend travel and activities. months before traveling, we will endeavor to make Will I need a visa? Our volunteers kindly donate their time and effort to arrangements for you. Spending money making a difference through uVolunteer’s projects Volunteers need to obtain a tourist visa before but many also want to give something extra to What do my fees cover? Most uVolunteer projects run from Monday through traveling to Ghana as entry visas are not issued at the projects they help out on. If you want to make Thursday; we recommend volunteers budget $20 in the airport. You can download an application form a donation, we advise you to wait until you’ve The fees you pay uVolunteer cover: pre-arrival admin spending money to cover basic costs during each via the Ghana Embassy and tick the ‘tourist visa’ box experienced the setting before deciding on what costs, volunteer project, pick-up, dormitory housing, working week. Your expenses are likely to increase in the Purpose of Journey section. To make a visa would be most appropriate, rather than purchasing three meals per day, 24-hour local staff, orientation, over the weekend depending on your activities – application, you will need either two or four passport- goods to donate before you travel. city tour, social activities, letter of completion, travel between Friday and Sunday you should budget sized photos, a return air travel ticket and your letter and medical insurance. A typical fee breakdown of a for at least between $180 and $200, but be aware of invitation with references that we will provide you. Conservation Volunteers four-week program in Koforidua is as follows: that costs can increase or decrease dramatically depending on your preferences. Vaccinations Volunteers enrolled on the National Parks & Reserves Ghana Hosting (18 x 28 days) $504 project will be collected from the airport on arrival Includes: Airport pick-up, accommodation, all meals, local staff & What about insurance? Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines and transferred to dorms for the first night. You’ll offices and volunteer coordination. before your trip. If you want to visit Ghana you will leave on Saturday or Sunday morning for your It is your responsibility to purchase a comprehensive be required to have the yellow fever vaccination (if project and we will accompany you to the location or Transaction Charges $50 travel insurance policy for your trip. Insurance you haven’t within the last 10 years) and show proof facilitate your travel and cover any costs up until you Recruitment and Enrollment $100 coverage for your trip is a mandatory requirement of immunization as you enter the country. Please reach your destination. Organization (offices, staff & administration) $300 of the program. Please make sure the policy visit your doctor to check your vaccination history Total for 4-weeks $954 covers Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation, Trip and arrange any immunizations at least eight weeks Closed Dates Interruption, Baggage Loss & Delay and Extreme before departure for Ghana. Are there any other fees? Activities you plan on doing; as well as coverage for There are closed dates for some of our Ghana small expensive electronic devices you bring. Will I be alone onsite? projects – these are outlined in each project page of Volunteers pay an application fee of $349, which this guide. On closed dates, uVolunteer organizes is essentially a deposit to secure your place on the Traveling with friends There are always other volunteers onsite – uVolunteer social activities or makes arrangements for program and show your commitment. If we can’t sends more than 300 volunteers to Ghana each volunteers to get involved in any cultural events or accommodate you, you’ll receive the $349 back. Your We accept all group sizes of family and friends, year and our arrival dates are every two weeks, so festivals taking place. place will be booked within seven days of applying school classes and corporate teams, and can there is a steady stream of volunteers arriving and and the balance fee is due 60 days before arrival. accommodate all on the same project. leaving. There will usually be between four and nine

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Program Make friends, make a difference... Brochure make a start Want to know more? For a general overview of what we do and why, download our program brochure.

Volunteering abroad is a life-changing choice; when you book a volunteer vacation with uVolunteer, you can rest assured we’re with you every step of the way.

Whether you want to teach English in deprived communities, build homes for low-income families, conserve biodiversity or work with children in need, uVolunteer can help make your dreams a reality.

Volunteer in Costa Rica, Ghana & Thailand

Now you know all about volunteering abroad in Ghana, learn more about the uVolunteer programs in Costa Rica and Thailand. We can tailor-make your volunteer vacation to combine projects in different locations and cut your costs in the process. Find out how much you can save when you make a difference with uVolunteer.

WWW.UVOLUNTEER.NET 31 We hope this Destination Guide has given you a better understanding of our program and projects in Ghana.

We look forward to helping you have the best possible experience when you Connect Socially volunteer abroad. If you require further information please contact us:

USA & Canada Toll Free: +1-877-549-8638 uVolunteer LLC European Free Call: +44 0800 088 5816 501 Silverside Road, Suite 105 Inquiries to: [email protected] Wilmington, Delaware, 19809, USA Online at: www.uvolunteer.net

Volunteer Ghana