The problems in Ghana are often reflected in patients’ conditions. Common conditions include strokes due to hypertension, injuries brought about by car accidents and a high incident rate of crush injuries to the hand and tendons caused by grinding and cutting machinery people use at work. Many of these injuries have crippling consequences as there is often no compensation or income afterwards. Many do not even have treatment as they cannot afford the £1 fee per session. Another common condition is facial palsy from Otitis Media which is treated with electrical stimulation. The clinic does posses some equipment such as a hydrotherapy pool, but this is not sufficient to cope with the high demand from the local community.
This programme needs physiotherapists volunteers with experience or are qualified to second year degree standard. The two main areas needing assistance are Sports Institutions and Community Clinics.
You will also have the opportunity to work with staff to teach young physiotherapy students in Ghana. You will be able to share ideas and your knowledge with the local teachers to increase their understanding from your western training.
As a qualified or experienced physiotherapist volunteer, you can really make a difference to this area of medical care that is often overlooked, assisting in the hands-on work that is so often unavailable to injured locals and athletes. You will need to be self-motivated and prepared for working in an environment with long and sometimes frustrating days but the work is hugely rewarding and the experience and understanding of working in a developing country you will gain is invaluable.
As a sports physiotherapist volunteers will work together with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The GBA has been struggling to get by on a small budget and so it is common for Ghana’s top players to miss out on the treatment of injuries they need. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work full-time as a physiotherapist in one of the leading Premier League football clubs. You will be able to use your procedures and treatment methods for the teams where there is a distinct lack of training and knowledge.
This programme will give you the chance to broaden your experience in physiotherapy working in both sports institutions and clinics and is a great way to start or enhance a career in the area.
Optional Teaching in Ghana
You will also be able to teach or assist in teaching in schools or sports academies in the local area. This will be in addition to your main placement and another area where you can make a huge contribution to the standard of teaching students normally get. Subject can include English, science, maths, IT, and RE, together with many other extra-curricular activities.
Please note: Journey times may vary from project to project. Please contact one of our Africa team for further information.
Project Cost Includes
- Airport transfers to and from Accra Airport upon your arrival and departure
- Orientation programme
- Full board and lodging, including breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- Assistance in your projects by staff and volunteer coordinators
- Full support from your coordinator throughout your time on your Ghana placement
Project Cost Excludes
- All transport by air to Ghana
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement which must include cover for repatriation
- Soft drinks, wines and spirits
- All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing
- Email/Internet and telephone calls
- All visas for border crossings
- Transport between accommodation and placement each day
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Ghana
Prices and Durations
Ghana Physiotherapy Volunteers - 4 weeks £1,099
2009 Start Dates: 6 Jun, 5 Sep, 5 Dec
2010 Start Dates: 6 Mar, 5 Jun, 4 Sep, 5 Dec
Ghana Physiotherapy Volunteers - 8 weeks £1,649
2009 Start Dates: 9 May, 8 Aug, 7 Nov
2010 Start Dates: 6 Mar, 8 May, 7 Aug, 6 Nov
Ghana Physiotherapy Volunteers - 12 weeks £2,199
2009 Start Dates: 11 Apr, 11 Jul, 10 Oct
2010 Start Dates: 9 Jan, 10 Apr, 10 Jul, 9 Oct
