Volunteer Ghana | Accra
We at Travel to Teach have wanted for a long time to expand our volunteer programs to areas within Africa. When a partnering organisation asked if we would like to work with them in Ghana, we at Travel to Teach jumped at the chance.
Accra is today a melting pot of several Ghanaians and other "foreign cultures." It is home to virtually anyone who identifies himself or herself with the city. That, in itself, is the bottom-line of traditional Ga heritage. The population of the Gas is relatively small. But today the whole city is filled with people from all walks of life.
The city of Accra has been Ghana's capital since 1877, it boasts fine public buildings reflecting its transition from a 19th century suburb of Victoriaburg to the modern metropolis it is today.
Our healthcare and medical programs are a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is experienced, or who wishes to gain experience within the medical field. These programs are also suitable for medical students who wish to do a semester or more for academic credits.
Our volunteers have the opportunity to shadow doctors and nurses and also interact with fellow medical students within the hospitals in Accra. Volunteers can also help in the following areas:
- Helping in the consulting room
- Shadowing fellow doctors in routine observations and medical practices
- Maternal and childcare
- Physiotherapy
- Helping in the dispensary
- Theatre and outpatient department
According to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation 2005 HIV & AIDS foundation report, an estimated 350,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. Due to this shocking number, education regarding the risks of HIV and AIDs to Children and Adults in Ghana is crucial.
Volunteers who choose to take part in the HIV and AIDS project will travel from school to school and will help educate children and work alongside them and also embark on educating the public. Training for young adults to be peer educators, provide support and counseling for victims through home visitation, and workshops is also an invaluable exercise.
We believe that HIV/AIDS victims need to be given the right information about their sexuality so as to avoid practices that lead to the further spreading of HIV / AIDS within their communities.
The schools set up for children with disabilities are also in need of volunteers who can help support the children and develop their skills, coordination, and also provide much love and care. The various organisations and schools cater for both children and adults with mental and physical disabilities, including a school for the deaf.
There can be between thirty to over 130 members, depending on the scheme. Volunteers will be responsible for developing the full potential of each individual and to help them lead more productive and rewarding lives in Africa. You may be involved in specific workshops to help train young adults, in particular work areas so that they can also earn an income from their crafts. You can help teach the younger children in classes, to try to eventually integrate them into the normal schooling system.
Our volunteers have the opportunity to participate in teaching and assisting with the education and development of Ghana's young people.
By volunteering here, you will have a chance to make an important contribution to Ghana and you will also gain first hand experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You have the choice of working in a primary (5-13yrs), Junior Secondary (13-16) or Secondary School (16-18yrs).
The schools will vary in their facilities, but generally consist of a few classrooms with wooden desks and a blackboard, so there are lots of opportunities for you to be creative in your role and make the lessons memorable for the children!
| 2 Weeks | 4 Weeks | 8 Weeks | 12 Weeks | 24 Weeks | Extra Weeks |
| $785 | $920 | $1421 | $1827 | $3044 | $101 |
Read how your fees are spent or compare our
prices with other volunteer organisations.
View our prices in other volunteer locations's or
combine your stay in Ghana with stays in other locations as part of a
combination
stay.
What you receive
- Meals, Accommodation
- All airport transfers from the nearest international airport upon your arrival into Ghana
- Arrival orientation in Accra – inclusive of your meet and greet at the airport, accommodation during your orientation in Accra and breakfast each day
- All accommodation during your stay with a local family
- Visa extensions if applicable
- Full support and assistance from your coordinator throughout your time at your placement
- Breakfast and dinner each day
Apart from our fees, you must pay for:
- Your ticket (all flights) to and from Accra
- Vaccinations
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa to Ghana
- Lunches during your project
- Return transfer from your project to the airport
- Any excursions
- Email/Internet and telephone calls. Soft drinks, wines, beers and spirits.
- All items of a personal nature.
Our application process typically takes two or three weeks, but can
be speeded up if there is a need for that. When we receive the initial
application from you, we will send you our full application form.
(1) Complete the Initial Application Form:
The first stage of the application process is to fill out the brief initial application form. Upon
receiving this we will send you the full application form.
(2) Complete the Full Application Form:
Fill out the application form. After receiving this we will assess your
suitability and place you on one of our programs.
(3) Placement info:
We will return detailed placement information and an invoice. If you
accept the placement you should pay the invoice and send us receipt of
payment by email or fax.
(4) Program Fee:
The program fee should be paid to us at least 2 months before you are
due to start your placement. However please be aware that we have a limited
amount of placements, so placements will only be secured when we
have received your payment.
(5) Communication:
Once you have made your traveling arrangements you should mail your time
of arrival and the means of transportation and we will confirm pickup.
Dates for the Year 2012:
|
February: Fri 10, Fri 17, Fri 24 March: Fri 2, Fri 9, Fri 16, Fri 23, Fri 30 April: Fri 6, Fri 13, Fri 20, Fri 27 May: Fri 4, Fri 11, Fri 18, Fri 25 June: Fri 1, Fri 8, Fri 15, Fri 22, Fri 29 July: Fri 6, Fri 13, Fri 20, Fri 27 |
August: Fri 3, Fri 10, Fri 17, Fri 24, Fri 31 September: Fri 7, Fri 14, Fri 21, Fri 28 October: Fri 5, Fri 12, Fri 19, Fri 26 November: Fri 2, Fri 9, Fri 16, Fri 23, Fri 30 December: Fri 7, Fri 14, Fri 21, Fri 28 |
| January: Fri 4, Fri 11, Fri 18, Fri 25 February: Fri 1, Fri 8, Fri 15, Fri 22 March: Fri 1, Fri 8, Fri 15, Fri 22, Fri 29 April: Fri 5, Fri 12, Fri 19, Fri 26 May: Fri 3, Fri 10, Fri 17, Fri 24, Fri 31 June: Fri 7, Fri 14, Fri 21, Fri 28 |
July: Fri 5, Fri 12, Fri 19, Fri 26 August: Fri 2, Fri 9, Fri 16, Fri 23, Fri 30 September: Fri 6, Fri 13, Fri 20, Fri 27 October: Fri 4, Fri 11, Fri 18, Fri 25 November: Fri 1, Fri 8, Fri 15, Fri 22, Fri 29 December: Fri 6, Fri 13, Fri 20, Fri 27 |
Travel to Teach volunteers stay with local host families within the residential suburb district of East Cantonment and Labone. Volunteers have their own room and are able to use all the facilities within the home. The accommodation is more than comfortable with single beds, washing machines, western toilets, electric hot water showers and all modern amenities.
Being situated on the Atlantic coast Accra has a plethora of white sandy beaches, the most popular being Coco beach, which is situated only a few miles away from the city center. Volunteers can choose to top up their tans at the weekends or to peruse the many markets where they are sure to pick up a bargain or two with some great gifts to take home as souvenirs such as a wide selection of beads, carvings or batik.
Accra is also famous for its nightlife, it hosts numerous bars and drinking spots but its real highlight is the dance clubs which fuse western dance music with traditional African dancing and music.
For the culture vultures among us there is the impressive National Museum of Ghana which is situated in Accra’s center. With it’s large amount of fascinating exhibits that are a part of the country's historical past that range from pre-historic archaeological discoveries, to colonial antiquities and exhibits of contemporary African art, it really is a must see.
Our volunteers will receive 2 meals a day (Breakfast and Dinner) at their home stay accommodation. Should volunteers want to eat out then there are local restaurants and eateries which charge just little under one US dollar for a meal.
Ghana has a tropical equatorial climate, which means that it’s hot all year-round with seasonal rains. In the humid southern coastal region, the rainy seasons are from April to June, and during September and October; the dry months, November to March or July and August, are easier for travelling. Throughout the year, maximum temperatures are around 30°C, dropping three or four degrees during the brief respite between rainy seasons. The humidity is constantly high, at about 80%.
Accra Weather Chart
Accra is the capital of Ghana and it’s largest city. It is lies on the Gulf of Guinea about 400 miles (640 km) north of the Equator and near the prime meridian (0º longitude).
Our volunteers will be met at Accra airport and taken to their home-stay accommodation.
Volunteers should arrange for their flights to arrive into Accra in-between the hours of 8.30pm and 10.30pm. If for some reason your flight is delayed then our coordinators will meet you the next day due to curfew laws.
Program Manager
Born in Dunkwa Offin, Stephen has his Masters in Science and Electrical Engineering, and is currently working on another Masters in Economic Policy Management at University of Ghana, which he will complete by the end of 2009. Stephen and Theresa have successfully created this program in Ghana because they both share the same belief, that the amazing power of volunteering abroad will educate and promote sustainability within Ghana.
Stephen creates a safe and positive experience for all the volunteers that choose this program.
Program Manager
Born in Wa in the upper west region of Ghana, Theresa is a human rights advocate with a Bachelors in Educational Psychology from the University of Cape Coast, and a Bachelors in Law from the University of Ghana. She worked with an exchange program for 2 years as a program coordinator before deciding to partner up with Stephen Duodo in 2003 to start the program in Ghana. This relationship has been very effective because of their experience in volunteer, administration and program management. She has a passion to help others, and her understanding of different cultures has made her an expert in directing volunteer abroad projects in Ghana.
You will need a visa to enter Ghana and you must apply for this in your country of residence, where you will need to apply for a visa through the Ghana High Commission, Consulate or Embassy.
Applying for a tourist visa:
- You will need a valid certificate of inoculation against Yellow Fever. This will be inspected at your point of entry.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure from Ghana.
- You need to have at least 3 blank pages in your passport.
- Postal applications are accepted.
- Please check with the Ghana embassy in your country for the visa fee.
Your Ghana Visa will become valid once it is entered into your passport. Therefore, you need to apply for your visa one month before departure. Once in Ghana, you can then easily extend it during your orientation in Accra.
Please note: It takes a minimum of four (4) working days to process an visa application submitted at your specific embassy/consulate counter and a minimum of ten (10) working days for postal applications.
So please leave yourself enough time!
You should tell your doctor that you are going to Accra, Ghana and that you are likely to come into contact with people who may be ill. Accra is an urban area.
Also visit the WHO's (World Health Organisation) Travelers health information
One of the conditions of entry onto our programs is that volunteers have travel insurance. Most importantly the insurance needs to include medical treatment and repatriation in case of unforeseen accidents or illnesses. Volunteers should purchase insurance independently and bring a copy of their insurance certificate with them for their local co-ordinator to check before starting their program. Read our terms and conditions.
Read our Terms & Conditions
Download our Teach Terms and Conditions as a PDF File
