volsol ghana brochure 2016 compressed

2016BROCHURE

GHANA

www.volunteeringsolutions.com

VOLUNTEER INTERN TRAVEL

ContentsCover01

Contents02

Medical Healthcare Project08

Community Development Project09

Football Coaching10

Two Weeks Volunteer and Travel Special

11

Ghana Summer Special12

Accommodation and Living13

Cost and Start Date14

What am I Paying for?15

What am I Paying for? (Contd.)16

Things to Do17

Volunteer Story18

How to Apply - The Process19--21

Get in Touch22

Ghana and Tamale - Overview03

Ghana - All Programs04

Orphanage Project05

Teaching Project06

Girls’ Education Project07

VOLUNTEER


TRAVEL

Ghana is one of the 54 countries in the diverse continent of Africa.

It is a developing country blessed with rich natural beauty and

cultural heritage. Ghana is regarded as the best destination for

first time treveller to Africa. Although the country is hot, but its

warmth will touch your heart and give you memories of a lifetime.

Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Ghana has some beautiful beaches to

explore apart from plenty of wildlife sanctuaries and historical

monuments.monuments. It is a country that can give a wholesome traveling

experience and that too with one of the friendliest population

amongst the African continent.

Tamale, where the VolSol projects are offered, is the capital of the

Northern Region of Ghana. A thriving town which is full of energy,

the region has a dry weather and a landscape like savannah. The

harmattan wind season with its dry hot days runs from November

to late March or April, followed by a wet season that peaks in

August to September. The city is well connected to major cities of

Accra and Kumasi and also to local towns and villages. Most of

centralcentral Tamale is accessible by foot or bicycle while local taxis are

frequent and cheap.

Volunteering Solutions brings aspiring volunteers some great

volunteering opportunities in Ghana. From community

development projects to sports coaching, there are a lot of ways in

which volunteers can contribute for the people of Ghana.

Ghana Trip Highlights

Participate in a range of volunteering opportunities like community development, girls’ education

project, football coaching, teaching and orphanage projects.

Medical volunteering opportunities for medical and nursing students and professionals.

Volunteer for the traditional Ghanian Tribes and get glimpse of the authentic African Lifestyle

Visit the world famous Mole National Park and witness the Kintampo Waterfalls

Take Traditional Drumming and Dancing Lessons

Get a life changing cultural and volunteering experience

Ghana and Tamale - Overview


03


Orphanage Project

Teaching Project

Girls’ Education Project

Medical Healthcare Project

Community Development Project

Football Coaching

TAMALE

Ghana - All Programs04

Program Requirements

The volunteer needs to be at least 17 years of age at the time of joining the project.

Should be in good health

Must be motivated to make a difference

Volunteers can opt for the orphanage project to contribute in the lives

of the Ghanaian orphans and also get a glimpse of the traditional

African lifestyle. The volunteers’ duties will include assisting local staff

and caretakers in daily work to help them run the orphanage in a

better manner. You can also choose to assist the orphanage

management. Designing teaching projects and implementing them

are also assigned to volunteers in the orphanages. Volunteers can also

clubclub the teaching project with the orphanage project to get a better

experience and divide their tasks in the morning and afternoon.

Volunteers working in the orphanage project in Tamale mainly work

with children of smaller age group and also infants and toddlers.

Duties include taking care of the children, assisting the orphanage staff

in caregiving work with the toddlers.

The highlight of my

volunteering trip was the

f irst day when I went to the

village and it was just

amazing.

-Johanna Schlimpert

Orphanage Project Starting from $395


05

Add On Tour

A visit to the city cafes and restaurants is recommended along with taking quiet city strolls to get a

better grasp of the local Ghanaian culture. Refer to “Things to Do” for more suggestions.





Volunteers enrolled in the teaching project are placed in urban and

rural communities in and around Tamale where they are expected to

teach English and other subjects such as Mathematics, Geography and

General Knowledge to the kids. The knowledge, skills and ideas that

volunteers bring from other cultures is invaluable for the Ghanaian

students. Volunteers work for around 5 hours in a day for 5 days in a

week. Volunteers can bring teaching material such as picture books,

instruments,instruments, flash cards, art supplies, and songs along with them. It is

a recommended project for a fulfilling volunteering experience in

terms of volunteer contribution and even cultural immersion.

Volunteers in the Teaching Project work are placed in village

communities near Tamale town. The students in these schools are very

eager to learn from the volunteers and welcome them.

I taught at the village, the

moments when I was able to

teach them something they

have never learned before

were extremely rewarding.

-Stephanie Knockaert

Teaching Project Starting from $395


06

Add On Tour

A tour of Kintampo Waterfalls and Paga Crocodile Pond is a must on one of the weekends during the

vlunteer program.


The volunteer needs to be at least 17years of age at the time of joining the project.

Interested to work for Women Empowerment Projects



Volunteers working in the Girls’ Education Project work in Tamale in

Northern Ghana. The mission of this project is to help young

disadvantaged females living in urban villages around Tamale.

Volunteers work in a school and assist the local staff in providing a

better quality education to the young women of Tamale. The tasks are

divided into two sessions - the morning and the afternoon session. The

mornings include teaching independant classes (all assistance is

provided)provided) or assisting the existing teachers. Subjects such as English,

General Awareness, Mathematics, Geography and Science are taught.

The afternoon sessions can be devoted to giving individual coaching

and attention to the young girls. This project is particularly suited for

volunteers looking towards the cause of women education and

empowerment

I very much enjoyed my

placement. The girls were

very sweet and eager to

learn.

-Solange Etessami

Girls’ Education Project Starting from $395


07

Add On Tour


better grasp of the local Ghanaian culture. Northern Ghana Wildlife Tour is also recommended.

Refer to “Things to Do” for more suggestions.





Medical projects are only for nursing or medical students and professionals

CV/Resume and copy of certifications required

The Healthcare facilities in Ghana are not very widespread and due to

extreme poverty many people are still unable to avail these basic

medical facilities.

VolunteersVolunteers in the Healthcare Program work along with doctors, nurses

and local staff in hospitals and community clinics in different locations

across Ghana. Volunteer tasks are determined depending on the

volunteer’s qualifications, experience and knowledge. Qualified

doctors and nurses can carry full day to day treatment of various

diseases. Medical students and students can assist the doctors and

nurses in their work and observe their work to gain knowledge and

experience.experience. Qualified medical volunteers work in the areas of maternal

health, mental health, surgery, laboratories, counseling and testing.

This program is particularly suited for those volunteers who are

interested in health issues and doing ‘hands on’ clinical work.

Volunteers work for around 5-6 hrs in a day for 5 days in a week.

Volunteers’ schedule is flexible and can vary depending on the needs

of the placement.

Medical Healthcare Project Starting from $395


08

Add On Tour




Watch our past volunteer review the medical internship experience





Volunteers enrolled in the Community Development Project work in

village communities located 15-20 kms outside the city of Tamale.

VolSol 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 to their lives. By working along with the local

villagers our volunteers have the unique opportunity to become

involved in a number of activities including education, construction,

andand volunteers also work in the health education and water cleaniless

projects.

The aim of the Health education is to educate villagers about

preventing diseases, especially for children, including prevention,

symptoms, and treatment. Volunteers will work with some local people

to help them translate the language for them.

The project is suitable for student or corporate groups looking to work

in a developmental project in a village community.

Community Development ProjectStarting from $395


09





Well versed with the game of Football

Volunteering Solutions places volunteers in this program in local

schools and football clubs in the Tamale region in Northern Ghana.The

people of Tamale love the game of football, especially since the city has

got a brand new football stadium.

Ghana'sGhana's national sport is Football and the country's interest in the

game is at an all time high given the successful performance of the

team in the 2010 World Cup. Ghanaians are extremely passionate

about football and their love for the game is evident everywhere. The

role of volunteers in this project includes inculcating football skills in

young players, organizing school level football matches. Volunteers

can work in village schools and coach soccer to the young and

enthusiasticenthusiastic students. Volunteers in this project can also combine

teaching and orphanage project for a wholesome experience.

Add On Tour




Football CoachingStarting from $395


10


Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project.

Keep a flexible attitude towards working in a new and different environment.

The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Volunteers must be in good health

The 2 week volunteer and travel special program which apt for those

who do not have a lot of spare time at hand to devote towards active

volunteering. The start dates for the program is first or 3rd Monday of

a month. From Monday through Friday, volunteers have to work in

their designated volunteering project for a minimum of 5-6 hours.

During both the weekends, you will get an extensive wildlife tour to

Kintampo Waterfalls and Mole National Park.

Tour ProgramsTour ProgramsNorthernNorthern Ghana Wildlife Tour: - After breakfast with your host family

volunteers set off towards the villages of Boebeng and Fiema. These

two villages help protect the black and white colobus and mona

monkeys, which the locals perceive as sacred, that live in the

surrounding forests. We tour the village while interacting with the

locals and learning about their history and traditions. In the afternoon

we visit the majestic Kintampo Waterfalls and spend the night in

Kintampo Town. Kintampo Town.

Wildlife Viewing Tour: - After breakfast we head off from Kintampo to

Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest and best game viewing park. An

afternoon foot safari will provide close-up views of African Elephants,

the world’s largest land mammal. In the evening, we marvel at the

wildlife from the viewing platform which overlooks a busy and exciting

waterhole, while relaxing in the hotel.

2 Week Special: Volunteer and TravelStarting from $775


11

Program Highlights

Volunteer in Community Projects in Tamale Region, Northern Ghana

Work hands on and help out in community childcare, teaching and construction projects

Meet local Ghanaian people, regarded as one of the friendliest in Africa

Safari in Mole National Park

Take a swim at Kintampo Waterfalls

Visit a Monkey Sanctuary

Learn how to dance and drum in Ghanaian style

Summer special is an exhaustive summer adventure program with

ample dose of volunteer work and fun trips. This program is a heady

mix of all the goodness a volunteer abroad project can give you.

Perfect for gappers, schoolies and large groups, you will have a 3

weeks of back to back work and adventure. The Ghana Summer

Special is ideal for 17 to 25 year olds to get a wholesome volunteer cum

travel experience. This trip includes volunteering for community

projects,projects, Safari amidst the Mole National Park, a visit to the Kintampo

waterfalls and meeting with local Ghanaian tribes to learn traditional

dancing and drumming. This three week extravaganza is perfect to

meet people from across the world, work for the African tribes and get

a memorable travel and cultural experience.

Ghana Summer Special Starting from $949


12

I can’t wait to come back

again. It was nice having one

project in the morning and

another in the afternoon in

case I preferred one over the

other.

-Valerie Wheatley

Accommodation Highlights

Breakfast and Dinner included (except for the programs where it is mentioned separately)

Close to basic amenities

Accommodation in Tamale is arranged with a local host family. A

well appointed room is made available which endowed with basic

facilities, volunteers will have to share a room with a fellow

participant. Living with a local host family lets you get an authentic

cultural experience and make the most of your volunteering stint.

A thorough orientation session is given upon arrival to acquaint

the volunteers with the project, host family and the city.

TheThe homes allotted are close to useful amenities like, banks,

ATMs, money changers, restaurants, cafes and shopping centers.

All placements are around 10 - 30 minutes from the homes and

volunteers travel to the placements everyday and come back

home in the evenings. Information about the amenities and local

markets would also be shared with the volunteers during their

orientation session. An exhaustive pre-departure kit is provided to

thethe volunteers after they apply to prepare them well for the

project and share all relevant details about the city.

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.

Any special requirement has to be intimated to the management

beforehand.


Accommodation and Living13


Cost and Start Dates14

1 Week 2 Weeks 3 Weeks 4 Weeks 5 Weeks 6 Weeks 7 Weeks 8 Weeks Program Name Extra Weeks

Please Note: -An application fee of $225 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

Airfare

Mobile connection and recharge

Entry fees to monuments or sightseeing places (if not included in program)

Transportation and local travel

Visa Fee

Personal expenses

Return Travel To AccraReturn Travel To Accra

Expenses other than program fee

Ghana Program Costs (in USD)

$775-- -- -- -- -- -- -- $150Ghana 2 Weeks Special

$495$395 $595 $650 $750 $840 $930 $1020 $100Ghana Program

---- $949 -- -- -- -- -- $120Ghana Summer Special 2015

Ghana Program Start Dates

Summer Special Ghana 2016

Most people are surprised to hear that they have to pay to volunteer abroad. What they often do not realize is that there

are significant administrative costs involved to arrange for a worthwhile volunteer abroad placement. Volunteering Solu-

tions is not supported by any government funding and runs its programs entirely from the fee that volunteers pay to take

part in the volunteer programs. Volunteering Abroad, involves incurring of many costs such as food, accommodation,

transportation, transfers, project selection etc. The program fee charged by us, goes into providing you all these services.

The money that you pay to us is distributed at various stages to provide you a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.The money that you pay to us is distributed at various stages to provide you a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.

VOLSOL Program Cost IncludesAdvertising Online/Offline Credit Card processing charges

In country maintenance of offices, vehicles etc.Staff recruitmentVolunteer recruitmentMaintaining office and other expenses

Salaries for staffNGO financial helpCommunication with volunteers and partners, by phone/email etc.International travel done by our staff to monitor projects and attend local meetings with partnersWebsite maintenance.Government taxes.


What am I paying for?15

Administration Cost

In Country SupportProject Development

Project Support &Field Cost

Food & Accommodation

It is necessary for an organization to employ full time staff to recruit and manage volunteers. There is lot of work that goes

side by side ensuring that you are supported before and during your program. We are dedicated to make your volunteering

abroad a memorable experience and ward off of all possible hunches at every steps. Our administration cost is 28% of the

total cost which include advertising, staff salary, website maintenance, taxes, volunteer recruitment and other expenses.

The application processing fee is part of your administrative costs, unlike many other volunteer travel company we do not

chargecharge any additional credit card processing fee. These companies can charge as much as 6% on your application fee taking

it to a difference of almost $100 extra. We have a flat rate and that is what we charge.

Administration

You may be endowed with exceptional skills and acumen in your area of expertise but to figure out your exact role in the

placement agency and to gain insights of its operations require training. To know cultural practices and etiquettes is of sub-

lime importance to carry out your tasks. So you need someone who could impart training and dispel your doubts at every

step, obviously he/she doubles as your friend and trainer.

Training and orientation

We charge for food and accommodation based on your preferences. You may decide to do home stay or group accommo-

dation or relish the cuisines cooked by host family and pay them. You may cook for yourself if you find it economical or your

placement organization may provide you lunch. You have plethora of options to choose from and charges are determined

accordingly. Host organization provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere for the volunteers. Food and accommodation

charges cover 40% of your total expenditure.

Food and accommodation

Volunteer service organization often employs in-country staff to provide local support and to make your volunteering

abroad experience memorable. As long as you are volunteering outside which may take up to six months, our staff is con-

tinuously working for you behind the screen. So we pay them from program fees we receive despite other sources like

grants and donations.

NothingNothing can be more discomforting than to struggle for getting basic services like healthcare, banking or even visa review-

ing in a foreign land that otherwise would have been comparatively less difficult in an English speaking country. As a volun-

teer, you have not been tied up to the agency only but you may roam around the city to watch historical places, zoo, movies

etc. and should have total access to everything in order to distress yourself. VolSol has incredible in-country support

(around 12%) to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

In country support

The most important part of the volunteering fees is on the project which you have chosen. Program fees help fund the proj-

ect activities and resources. Thus organizations need paid staff member to ensure continuity of your program and adminis-

trative duties. Project development involved 11% of the total program fee.

Project Development

What am I paying for? (Contd.)16

While you are volunteering in Tamale, a buzzing and beautiful town with a happening night life, take a look what all other

fun things you can do in the city besides volunteering.

Tamale is a beautiful city and the best way to explore it is through bicycle rides. One of the most bike-friendly region in the

northern part of Ghana, cycling is a must try option while in Tamale. It is good to ride during light traffic hours to enjoy and

also keep safe.

Rent A Bicycle

South Africa is blessed a wide variety of wildlife and the Mole National Park and Bui National Park stand as a testimony to

this fact. A visit to these parks is definitely called for while volunteering in Tamale, Ghana.

Explore Wildlife

From delectable rice dishes, to spicy soups and to deep fried dishes such as Kosu, Akpale and Fonfon, Ghanian food is

refreshingly different and delicious.

Taste The Local Food

There is fun alternative to fretting about the hot weather of Ghana – it is taking that long due sunbath in Ghana.

Take A Sunbath

The Ghanaian music is fun, vibrant peppy. Immerse yourself in the culture and learn a drum beat or two. Enroll for short

term drum lessons and show off your drumming skills back home.

Take Drumming Lessons

Compliment your drumming skills with some dancing and take up a short term dancing course while volunteering in

Tamale. Dancing classes are the best way to perk up your weekends while you are volunteering in Tamale.

Take Dancing Lessons

The central market and the handicraft centres of Tamale offers some very local products and can be bought as souvenirs.

From jewellery to hand-made goods, buying from the local markets would not only give you something to remember about

Ghana but also pump money in the economy.

Visit The Larabanga Mosque

The women who are outcast and have been declared a “witch” live in these camps. You can interact with these women and

get to know the other side of Ghana. The Gambaga camp is one of them.

Pay A Visit To The Witch Camps Of Tamale

Slightly worn out but a great center to pick up local Ghanaian goods from is highly recommended to not only bag some

memorable souvenirs but also buying them at throw away cost.

Visit the Cultural Center


Things to Do in Ghana

17

Trip Notes

Eating from local food stall is not recommended.

18


Valerie Wheatley from USA took part in the Ghana Summer Special in the year

2011 with Volunteering Solutions. Here is an intercept of her experience with

us.

Meet Valerie Wheatley

I liked all the areas , especially the parts where I could view testimonies and videos of past volunteers and the My Account Page that let

me get in touch with the volunteers that I would be traveling with.

What areas did you like about our website?

Excellent ! I was amazed at all the information given to me beforehand. It made me feel relieved while traveling by myself outside of the

country.

How did you find the pre departure booklet given to you and the service of the staff in regards to answering your questions and helping you prepare?

Yes. I cant wait to come back again. It was nice having one project in the morning and another in the afternoon in case I preferred one

over the other.

Did you enjoy working at your project / placement?

I liked living with my host family. My host mom tried her best to prepare meals for me that would both teach me about Ghanaian culture

but also meet my dietary needs.

Accommodation and meals

YES. The amount of detail provided provided to you before you leave and the wonderful program coordinator - Frederick who takes care

care of you every step of the way.

Would you recommend this program and our organization to others? yes/no

I researched so many organizations before I chose VS and discovered that this is the most well organized , structured, accessible and af-

fordable volunteering organization. I am so happy with my journey and have a whole new outlook on life!

Any comments and suggestions

Volunteer Story

How to apply - The process19

From the drop down select either Volunteer Abroad, Intern Abroad or Summer programs abroad.

If you are already familiar with the website and are visiting just to apply ignore this step and simply click on the Apply Now button at the

end of the drop down header.

Where it will ask you to create a login and password for your My Account login. Your email id would be treated as the username or user

id. Click on the proceed to next step button. The next step button will take you to a form that you have to fill to pay your application fee

of $225. This application fee will book your seat in the placement until you pay the entire program fee amount. If we fail to provide you

the placement we will refund you the money.

**Points to Heed

**If you are a past volunteer and already have my account user id and password then login to your my account section directly.

**If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again. **If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again.

01

When you click on the apply now button, you will get a window like this:

02



Fill out the forms marked 2 to 4 and submit application, it will be redirected to your payment gateway, where you can make the payment.

If you make the application fee payment now, your My account login would be activated as soon as we receive the payment. In case of

any glitches if your My account login is not activated, please inform us and we will do it manually.

You will receive a Thank you mail for booking the application or making your my account

login. You will get this email irrespective of full payment made or not.

03

04

This email would be followed by a Welcome mail and a community email with platforms to

help you connect with our past volunteers. If you are using gmail, please check your

promotions folder or spam folder and mark them not spam and shift them to your inbox.

Actively participate in VolSol Facebook page and Groups and also join the social

community made by volunteers, that will help you better prepare for the trip.

05



One month prior to your booking you will get your pre departure booklet. The pre-

departure booklet would contain all the details about your project and project location.

While on the project, we will send you an email to check on you, whether you are doing fine or not. You can send your pictures, blogs or

videos or anything related to your ongoing work to us and we will share it with other prospective volunteers.

After the completion of your project, we send you a feedback form, fill this form out and help us improve our services.

06

If your placement is confirmed you will get an email from us stating the same, along with

the final payment due amount.

You can pay your program fee from your my account section or from payment page. The

links for the same would be provided in the email. Payment details would be updated on

your my account page.

05

Fred(Country Director - Ghana)

Fred was born in 1979 in Kumasi in the Ashanti region but grew up in Tamale, in the northern region

where he completed his primary education. After completing his college education from Prempeh col-

lege in Kumasi, he graduated in National Diploma in Accounting. Fred is very popular among the volun-

teers and is actively involved in executing different projects for the benefit of Ghanaian community. Be-

sides English, he speaks three local Ghanaian languages very fluently. Fred believes volunteering

should make a change in the lives of people who really need help and also makes a great impact of the

development of deprived communities.

Know your coordinator


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