volunteer in africa: ghana, ccs webinar presentation
TRANSCRIPT
Volunteer in Africa: Ghana
Tuesday, July 17th
4:00-5:00 p.m. EDT
WEBINARS
www.crossculturalsolutions.orgwww.crossculturalsolutions.org
Introductions
Pete BryanProgram Advisor – Senior Team Leader
Alumnus of CCS Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, and
Morocco
Sara YoungProgram Advisor
Alumna of CCS Ghana and Peru
Agenda
• Introductions
• Review of Agenda
• About CCS
• About CCS Ghana
• Life in Ghana
• The CCS Experience
• Volunteer Work
• Home-Base
• CCS Ghana Staff
• Cultural & Learning Activities
• Free Time & Weekends
• Pre-departure support
• Questions & Answers
• Next Steps
About CCSOur Approach
Respecting Local Expertise in Community Development
• Volunteer Placements• Placement Process• Partner Programs• In-Country Staff
• Cultural Immersion • Home-Base located in a residential
community• Cultural & Learning Activities• Fostering Relationships
• Flexibility• 4 Programs, 12 Countries, and Year-
Round Start Dates
Our Mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.
About CCS Ghana Experience the culture and warmth of West African people
• Over 2,200 CCS volunteers have been sent to
Ghana since 1998 – nearly15 years!
• Located in the Volta Region
• All programs offered: Volunteer & Insight
Abroad, Intern Abroad, Teen Volunteer
Abroad
Life in Ghana
• Hohoe is a warm, welcoming, friendly environment, unlike any other country you’ve been to.
• Often referred to as the “Gateway to Africa” • Close-knit community and easy-going nature• Volunteers have a chance to relax and unplug
while volunteering and making a difference
The CCS Experience
A TYPICAL DAY
•Breakfast
•Volunteer at your placement in the
morning
•Lunch
•Welcome a local group and learn a
traditional dance
•Dinner
•Play cards with fellow volunteers,
discuss weekend plans, & talk with
the in-country staff about your
placement
Volunteer Placements -Teaching and Caregiving• Mainly children, ages 7-10• Teach basic subjects (reading & writing in
English, math, etc.) or co-curricular subjects (dance, athletics, art, etc.)
• Teach students with special needs such as a school for the deaf
• Caring for children in nurseries and day care centers
Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains PositiveVolunteer Work
• General care in a health care center• Nurse and/or administration assistance• Nursing/health background preferred
however, volunteers with no background can observe first before assisting
Volunteer Work
Volunteer Placements - Healthcare & Community Development
Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains Positive
• Teaching & caring for children ages 7-10• Community development projects
Volunteer Work
Volunteer Placements - Teen Volunteer Abroad
Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains Positive
• Area of focus available: healthcare, education, social services
• Intern Supervisor• Pre-departure process• Summary project
Volunteer Work
Volunteer Placements - Intern Abroad
Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains Positive
CCS Home-Base
• Safe & comfortable living environment• 24-hour staff presece• Resource Center• Meals: Three delicious authentic meals
a day by CCS staff cooks & safe drinking water provided
• Transportation: Airport pick-up and drop-off, and safe transportation to & from volunteer placement
• Communication: Phone access & some Internet access
Your Home Away From Home
CCS Ghana Staff
• Strong history & presence in the community • Year-round CCS Staff & members of the
local community• Director & Program Managers
• Makafui Amenuvor • Cooks, housekeepers, licensed drivers• Security
• Alfa, Security Guard – A favorite among volunteers; warm, friendly, and an impressive geography guru that volunteers can’t stop talking about.
In-Country SupportProviding Expert Support for our Volunteers and Partners in the Community
• Batik making – Fabric dying method; staple of Ghanaian culture
• Traditional Drumming & Dancing• Trip to the highest waterfall in Western Africa!• Mountain Hiking • Monkey Sanctuary • Language lessons• Guest speakers – Range from Health &
education to folklore & fairytales
Cultural & Learning Activities
Cultural ImmersionGetting the Insider’s Perspective
Free Time
• Re-live Cultural & Learning Activities!• Shopping for Ghanaian clothing, musical
instruments, etc. • Hiking trails• Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Historical
site and possible • Historical site including canopy walks,
and tree-house stays• Lake Volta (Day trip or overnight)
• Fishing & boating • Walking to meet people!
Afternoons & Weekends
A Chance to Explore the Community On Your Own
Enrollment & Pre-departure Support
• CCS HQ Staff were all volunteers before they were staff• We work closely with local organizations to match
volunteer skills with the needs of the community
Support From Start to Finish
• Alumni references & fundraising support• Staff Support: PAs, PSSs, In-Country,
AES• Travel Documents and Necessities
• Passport, visa, & vaccinations• Things to bring: Snacks, walking
shoes, bathing suit, sunscreen, and energy!
• Climate: Lowest temperature: 60° F• Rain season in Ghana is mild
• We’ll advise you on how to pack for the time of year you travel
Questions?
NextSteps
Determine where, when, & for how long you want to volunteer: www.crossculturalsolutions.org/enroll/enroll-checklist
Contact a Program Advisor1-800-380-4777, Monday-Friday 9am-9pm EDTPete: [email protected] Sara: [email protected]
Upcoming Info Sessions•Charlottesville, VA (July 17th)•Hollywood, CA (July 26th)•New York, NY (July 28th)•Santa Monica, CA (July 29th)•Albuquerque, NM (Aug 9th)
Find more events near you:www.crossculturalsolutions.org/events
www.crossculturalsolutions.orgwww.crossculturalsolutions.org
Stay In Touch
facebook.com/crossculturalsolutions
twitter.com/volunteerabroad
youtube.com/ccsvolunteerabroad
ccscommunity.com
pinterest.com/volunteerabroad