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Ghana

Community Development Program in Ghana

Volunteers working in the Community Development Project work in village communities located 15-20 kms outside the city of Tamale. Our volunteers have been working in schools, contributing in renovation work, taking part in health awareness programs, water hygiene efforts amongst others

Highlights

  • Volunteers contribute directly to improving local infrastructure, which helps enhance the living conditions and educational environments for students
  • Engaging with the local community provides an opportunity for cultural immersion, helping volunteers understand and appreciate the traditions and lifestyle of Tamale
  • Volunteers work alongside local workers and community members, fostering collaboration and building strong, meaningful connections within the community
  • Construction projects can stimulate local employment, with volunteers often working alongside and mentoring local laborers, enhancing the local economy
  • The work volunteers do contributes to the development of Tamale, and the structures built often remain as a testament to their efforts for years to come
  • Explore Mole National Park, Kintampo Falls and Monkey Sanctuary on weekends
Projetos gratuitos em Gana para a Förderung der Gemeinschaft

Overview

Volunteers working in the Community Development Project work in village communities located 15-20 kms outside the city of Tamale. Volunteers have been working with the local villagers in schools as well as construction activities over the last few years and have made a valuable contribution. By working along with the local villagers, our volunteers engage meaningfully with their host community, understand their needs and do the volunteer work accordingly. 

Participants in the Community Development Project get involved in tasks such as renovation and painting the classrooms in the village schools, development work in Girls School or any other development related projects carried out by the coordinators in cooperation with the local villagers.

The Community Development Project in Tamale, Ghana plays a pivotal role in addressing the pressing developmental challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in the areas of education and infrastructure. This project is structured around a collaborative, hands-on approach where participants, often volunteers or community members, actively engage in projects that promote long-term growth and improvements within the community.

Here’s a more detailed expansion on the specific tasks involved in the project:

Renovation and Painting of Classrooms

One of the central activities in the project is the renovation and painting of classrooms in local schools. Education is a key focus, and the goal is to create an environment that is not only physically safe but also visually stimulating for students. In many rural parts of Ghana in and around Tamale, schools may suffer from inadequate infrastructure due to limited government resources. By improving the condition of the classrooms, the project helps to ensure a better learning environment.

Tasks within this area may include:

  • Repairing damaged structures: This can involve fixing roofs, windows, doors, or flooring, which may be worn out or damaged due to years of use and environmental wear.

  • Repainting classrooms: Fresh coats of paint, especially bright and welcoming colors, can make classrooms more inviting and can have a positive psychological impact on students and teachers.

This work directly impacts the daily lives of students, teachers, and the broader community, improving the functionality of the school while fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning.

Development Work in the Girls’ School Project

A unique and equally important aspect of the project focuses on the Girls' School development. Education for girls, especially in rural Ghana, can face various barriers. Gender disparities in education often lead to fewer girls completing their schooling due to issues such as early marriage, cultural practices, poverty, and lack of safe facilities.

The development work in girls' schools is crucial to tackling gender inequality and empowering young women to pursue their educational dreams, thus contributing to broader social and economic progress.

Volunteers primarily help in renovation work of existing classrooms in Girls School Project or help out in building additional facilities as well.

Collaboration with Local Villagers

A distinguishing feature of the project is its strong emphasis on collaborating with local villagers. Community-driven development is more sustainable when the local population is involved at every stage. By working alongside villagers, the project ensures that the development efforts are not only relevant but also sustainable in the long term.

Key elements of this collaboration include:

  • Community-driven decision-making: Local villagers are involved in planning and decision-making, ensuring that the project aligns with their needs and priorities. This might involve regular meetings with community leaders, teachers, and parents to determine which areas of the schools or community require the most attention.

  • Shared labor and resources: In many cases, the villagers contribute their labor, materials, or tools to the project, ensuring that it is truly a community effort. This participation also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the success of the project.

This kind of cooperative effort not only strengthens the community but also creates lasting bonds between the volunteers and local villagers, contributing to mutual respect and understanding.

Impact of the Community Development Project

The community development project in Tamale is designed to have a lasting impact on the local area, not just by improving infrastructure but also by contributing to the overall development of the community. By improving education facilities, especially for girls, the project creates more opportunities for future generations. The emphasis on local participation ensures that the community takes ownership of the improvements, which increases the likelihood that they will continue to thrive even after the external volunteers or project teams leave.


Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteering Solutions provide accommodation in Tamale with a local host family. The schedule for the volunteers remains as follows;

  • Saturday - Arrival at Tamale and transfer to accommodation 

  • Sunday - Settling down in the area and orientation by coordinator

  • Monday -  Visit to the project with the coordinator and starting your volunteer work at the placement

  • Tuesday to Fri - Volunteer work 

  • Breakfast - 06:00 am onwards (provided at the accommodation)

  • Working hours at the placement - 07:00 am to 01:00 pm and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

  • Lunch - 02:00 pm to 03:00 pm (volunteers need to manage lunch on their own)

  • Dinner - 06:30 pm to 07:30 pm (provided at the accommodation)

The same volunteer work schedule continues from the second week onwards 

Weekends - Free to explore the city and take short excursions trip to some of the best hotspots in and around Tamale, such as; Mole National Park, Monkey Sanctuary, Kintampo Falls. Learn about their elaborate festivals, the local cuisine comprising of Banku and Fufu - Ghana's most famous dishes, their colorful dresses, and the music and dances.

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating on.


Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Under the community development volunteer program in Ghana, volunteers have the option to work for several different projects. A day to day work for the volunteers under this program would include;

  • On weekday mornings, volunteers work in the Girl's Education Project or in local schools in the village. 

  • Volunteers assist the Ghanaian teachers by working with small groups of students on their English and math skills. 

  • Volunteers can assist in any new building tasks assigned by the local coordinator. Assistance of local laborers will also be provided.

  • Volunteers work along with local villagers and can do the painting or renovation work in the school building.


Project Requirement

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference and should be willing to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report. 

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Living

Living

Volunteering Solutions strives to provide best of the living and other arrangements to its volunteers. Like we keep saying, just pack your bags and arrive at your placement destination. From your airport pickup, stay, meals, weekend tours and other nitty gritties, VolSol manages everything for you.

Airport Transfer

You will be met by your program coordinator at Tamale Airport from where you will be transferred to your project location.Participants can book your flight to arrive at Accra International Airport and then a short connecting flight to Tamale. You can also choose to stay overnight in Accra and take the flight to Tamale on the next day. We can offer an optional Accra pickup service at extra charges. The service will include pickup in Accra, one night stay in a hotel/guest house in Accra and transfer to the airport to continue your journey.

Accommodation

Volunteers will be staying at a standard Ghanaian volunteer homestay managed by the local program coordinator. In case space is not available in the volunteer home, you will be accommodated with a Ghanaian Host family. Accommodation is either provided in an individual or shared room along with other volunteer. By staying with a family you will experience the local Ghanaian culture, language customs and traditions. There are separate rooms for male and female volunteers with shared toilet facilities. Participants should note that living is of basic standard and you should not expect luxuries. Power cuts are common in Ghana and most rural houses do not have running water during times of drought. Bedding is provided, however, volunteers need to bring their own towels and mosquito nets (these can also be purchased in Ghana). Air conditioning is available in the volunteer house and the participants need to pay the extra charge to avail the facility in the country.

Orientation

An orientation and briefing session will be provided by your local coordinator. Areas like culture, safety, locations, transportation are covered in the Orientation. After your orientation is over, you will be introduced to your project and also given a tour of the local market and town of Tamale.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) at the host family house. Ghanaian cuisine consists primarily of starches, soups, beans, meat, and fish. The Starches consist mainly of rice and doughy balls made from mashed cassava, plantain or yams.  Famous Ghanaian dishes include Banku and Fufu.

During your Free Time

On the weekends you can head out to explore places such as Mole National Park and Monkey Sanctuary. Volunteers also visit Paga to visit Crocodile Park or further south to Cape Coast to enjoy the beaches. On weekdays, participants have free time in the evenings and spend time relaxing at their accommodation or socializing with other volunteers and the local people.


Dates

Dates

January

04

18

February

01

15

March

01

15

April

05

19

May

03

17

June

07

21

July

05

19

August

02

16

September

06

20

October

04

18

November

01

15

December

06

20

Available

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Booked Out


Costs

Duration
Program Fee
Choose your currency
2 Weeks $590
3 Weeks $640
4 Weeks $690
5 Weeks $740
6 Weeks $790
7 Weeks $840
8 Weeks $890
Extra Week $120

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

What are you Paying For?

  • 24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
  • Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
  • Airport Pickup from Tamale Airport
  • Orientation 
  • Food - 2 meals a day
  • Accommodation 
  • Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost) 

What's NOT Included?

  • International and Domestic Flight
  • Accra pickup package
  • Vaccinations 
  • Local Transportation
  • Ghana Visa
  • Personal Expenses

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Ghana?

What are the Program Locations in Ghana?

For how many hours will I volunteer every day?

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?

Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Ghana volunteer programs?

Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

Flights and Visa

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Ghana?

How do I reach Tamale from Accra? Do I need to book a flight to Tamale?

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Accommodation and Living

When do I need to arrive in Ghana for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Ghana?

How do I get to the program location?

Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Ghana?

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Where can I change my money in Ghana? Are there ATMs in Ghana?

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Ghana alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?

Health and Safety

How safe is Ghana in general?

Do I need to buy a health insurance?

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?


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