Orientation
On arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, you will be transferred to your hostel in Accra for your orientation. The orientation is conducted by the Programme Leader, Tina, who will make you feel extremely comfortable during your time in Accra. The orientation will start on the Monday after you arrive, lasting until Thursday. On the Friday you will be transferred to your project area and met by your new coordinator for that region, where they will then show you around and take you to meet your host family.
Your orientation will include:
- An introduction to Ghanaian culture and values, local food and practices
- Various host family issues and expectations
- Your health and safety whilst in Ghana and places to visit
- Workplace ethics before starting your project
- Money and transportation in Ghana
- Local language lessons, dance and drumming classes and a Ghanaian cookery lesson
- Excursion to the local beach one afternoon
- A City tour, including the markets and arts centre and an excursion to the local beach
Accommodation and Meals
Please understand that the people you will stay with have very little, though what they do have they want to share with you: Many of our volunteers tell us that the host family accommodation was one of the highlights of their trip!
The accommodation in Ghana is comfortable but very basic, especially compared to what you are used to at home. These standards will vary but in most instances, it is best to be prepared for outside taps or wells and long drop toilets and there may be no running water or electricity. All of our homes have been carefully inspected and you will have your own bedroom and a fan, though in a few instances you may also be sharing with another volunteer.
During your stay you will be provided with breakfast, most lunches and all dinners, prepared and provided 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! You will be expected to buy your own drinking water - bottled mineral water or treated ‘Pure’ water is best advised, but also very cheap.
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 leader Tina and her team. You will also be assigned a regional coordinator who lives in close proximity of your accommodation.
This is quite an independent project, in that you live with local families and are responsible for your own way to the project work each day. However, should you have any questions, you will be able to contact your local coordinator for assistance and support. We will also provide you with a 24hour emergency number in the UK before departure.
Project Age Limit
Minimum age of 17 years, maximum age dependant on participant’s health.
