Our partner, Madventurer works throughout Ghana in partnership with International Organisations, local NGO's and village development committees, to build much needed facilities including schools, sanitation blocks and clinics.
Join a group of like minded volunteers to experience and contribute to daily life in a rural Ghanaian village. Split your time between a building project and teaching at a local school. Working alongside local builders, staying in the community and spending time with the kids, you'll become an essential part of the community. This project will tackle needs that have been identified by your host community to ensure that your financial and physical investment is sustainable long into the future. Take part in a unique experience where you can really Make A Difference to a Ghanaian community.
Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.
Home to quite possibly the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet, most people travel to Ghana to experience its rich and diverse culture.
With breathtaking beaches along its stunning coastline, lush tropical forests in its interior and dusty savannah to its north, Ghana has a fascinating mix of landscapes. The eerie colonial forts on the coast, the canopy walkway of the forest belt and dusty game reserve of the northern region are a must for anyone travelling to this golden country.
Ghana is held by many to be a beacon in the region, politically stable, economically sound and responsible in outlook. However, despite best efforts, a vast dichotomy still exists between the development the cities and the rural areas. Much work has been done to provide clean water and electricity to all areas but still, many of Ghana’s youth leave the villages for the bright lights and even brighter prospects of the cities.
We had an amazing time and gained so much more than we could have ever hoped for
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SAMPLE 2 WEEK ITINERARY
Day 1
After your complimentary transfer from the airport your adventure starts in Accra, Ghana where you meet your leader and the rest of your group. We will have an orientation meeting with rest of group and leader before we set off to our village in a rural part of Ghana the following morning. The journey will be in a local-style tro tro (mini bus) and last approx. 4-5 hrs as you enjoy the first views of the magnificent lush hills. Travelling along the road look out for bustling crowds on their way to market carrying anything from sacks of rice to live chickens on local transport and the back of bicycles. Arrival at our project house will be marked by a welcome from your host family, head teacher or community representative. You will have the opportunity to unpack and pick your spot in one of the shared rooms. Accommodation is in a shared house with your group. Your house will be close to a water source but may not have running water. You will have a shower cubicle either indoor or outdoor and you will take the traditional 'bucket shower'. Electricity may not be available but alternatives will be provided - usually paraffin lamps which create a really cozy environment in the evenings. You will be given a chance to charge phones at least every weekend. Beds will be mattresses on the floor and bedrooms are shared with your fellow adventurers. You will have a social area such as a living room and there may be a garden to enjoy relaxing in after school. Storage will be limited but we will provide a lockable room for valuables. Your accommodation is selected in a secure, proximate location to the school. A local cook is provided which often will be a member of the host family within whose house you are staying. On your first day in the village you will have the option of taking a tour of the school and local village. Take time to soak up the scenery and meet some of the people you will be working with both in the school and the village. You will be given a chance to see the building site and see where you will be working on a new project or continuing an existing one. Enjoy the first of many 'how are you?' greetings from groups of giggling children who will follow us when we're out and about in the community. Our first night in the village will be settling into our new house, planning our first day in school and enjoying our first meal provided by our local cook or host family. Every project is unique and the experience is enriched by your input and commitment, the more you put into your project the more you will get out of it.
Days 2-13
Meet the school community from the teachers to the board of parents and chairs to the many small faces peering curiously at you. The welcome smiles will be many and widespread. Get to know your surroundings, find out where the local 'store' is and what delights they sell, be introduced to the nearest water source is and how your community makes the journey home with it. Enjoy the hearty local cuisine that will build up lots of energy for the busy weeks to come. Food is very much seasonal in Ghana enjoy the fresh local fruit and vegetables. Mark the first sight of your new building or plot with a photo, the scene will soon change. We will establish the routine at school including several hours in the morning building and again after lunch. Your usual working hours are 8am - 4pm with breaks during the day. You will have an opportunity to take a morning break for fresh fruit taken at school as well as a hot lunch.
Throughout the day we will rotate teaching as and when lessons are timetabled. When not teaching we can return to work on the building site or plan our next lessons. Each day we have the opportunity to explore the community after school and take part and organise activities with the community. We can take walks and discover the countryside or help out on the local farm or assist with any planting/weeding. There are many opportunities that await you in your village. You can help set up other programmes if you have any relevant experience or support projects such as recycling or energy saving projects that tend to be unheard of in rural communities. Take the chance to visit the local clinic and learn about medical care. The key is getting to know your village and how they need your support. You may be able to join local adults in their social groups. We also can look for opportunities to play sport with youth groups, football is always a winner. Each project reaches a 2 week milestone so your contributions will be recognised at the end of every milestone.
Day 14, Accra – end of a two week project
You will be returned to Accra for no later than 7pm.
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