Orientation
When you arrive into Ghana, Martin or a member of his team will be there to meet you. During your first few days, you will receive a full local orientation to help familiarize yourself with the local culture and settle you slowly into your programme. Your orientation will cover:
- Local language and culture – social norms, traditions and culture
- Expected behaviour – at host family, dress code at project
- Safety – what to avoid, what to do in an emergency
- Locations of important amenities – banks, hospitals, embassies
- Transportation and travel in Ghana – where to go, how to get there
- Volunteer placement – what your project involves, who you need to report to, other volunteers etc
While the orientation will cover a range of issues, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask other questions that you may have.
Accommodation and Meals
During your project, you will have the fantastic opportunity to live with a local family close to where you will be working and easily commutable by local transport. The accommodation in Ghana will vary in standards; from very basic with outside taps and long drop toilets, to sofas, showers and televisions, though in some instances there may be no running water or electricity.
You must go with an open mind to these families – they will be so warm and will welcome you with open arms, though you may be a little surprised by the accommodation standards compared to those you might be used to. Please understand that these people have very little, and what they do have they want to share with you.
All of our homes have been carefully inspected, and you will have your own bedroom, though in a few instances you may also be sharing with another volunteer. When in the village, you will feel extremely safe, and treated like one of the community, and this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed, but treasured.
During your stay, you will be provided with three meals per day (though on a few projects you may just take a packed lunch or buy it when you are there). You will be expected to buy your own drinking water - bottled mineral water or treated ‘Pure’ water is best advised, but also very cheap.
A home-stay will provide you with the unique opportunity to fully integrate and experience a cultural emersion by living with a local, English speaking Ghanaian family, in their homes: Typically this will be with their young children and extended family. They will be on hand to help you, and also show you around the local area, and make you feel perfectly at home.
This will also really help you to integrate yourself in their lifestyle to understand their ways of everyday living and culture. We hope this intercultural exchange will develop long-term international relations between you and your family, to maintain after your visit as friends.
All breakfasts, most lunches and all dinners will be provided for you by your host family: This is an excellent chance to try some of the local dishes, such as ‘Foufou’, which is made from ground yams, and usually eaten by hand!!! Whilst you are in Ghana, why not buy some ingredients and cook them a typical meal from your own country too!
Free Time
During your stay in Ghana, you will want to take some time out to visit the interesting sights and local areas Ghana has to offer. You will be fine to take time out during your weekends, though please make sure you discuss this with your coordinator, and keep your host family informed at all times: Like any family, they will naturally worry about you, and be keen to have you home!
Programme Support
Throughout your stay in Ghana you will have the support and guidance of the Ghanaian project leaders and team. They will provide you with competent field support and assistance, and help you with any questions or support you may need during your stay. The team are really friendly, and will be there for you to contact each day and a meeting will also be scheduled for you early on in your placement to give you an extra opportunity to network and socialise with the other volunteers and students in Ghana.
Project Age Limit
Minimum age 17, maximum decided on potential participant’s health.
