Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the minimum age requirement?
To be eligible for the program, individuals must meet the minimum age requirement of 16 years on the program start date.
- What language do I need to speak?
Having a basic understanding of English is crucial to facilitate effective communication.
- What are the educational requirements?
Volunteering in an orphanage or childcare setting is a noble endeavor that requires a genuine desire to provide care and assistance to children in need. While formal education is not a prerequisite for such placements, some may require a minimum of a high school education. It is imperative that individuals seeking to engage in such volunteer work possess the necessary compassion and commitment to ensure a positive impact on the lives of the children they serve.
- Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
Regrettably, we are presently unable to furnish financial support to our volunteers during their stay in Ghana, despite our unwavering commitment as a non-profit grassroots organization to aid those in need in the region. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we remain resolute in our mission to assist vulnerable communities.
- Where will I work?
Our organization offers placement opportunities in Accra, Kumasi, and the Central region of Ghana, as well as with affiliate project partners located throughout all 16 regions of the country. These locations are renowned for their safety, security, and hospitable reception towards international personnel. As a volunteer, you are afforded the freedom to select any of these locales, and should you choose to extend your stay beyond one month, you may change your placement at your discretion.
- What can I bring?
At the majority of our placement centers, there is currently a severe shortage of materials and resources for play, learning, and work. To address this issue, we strongly encourage volunteers to bring essential items like paints, pencils, crayons, drawing paper, toys, medical supplies (such as first aid kits), used clothing and shoes, sanitary products, and deodorants. If necessary, these items can also be purchased locally. However, we want to emphasize that the most important thing volunteers can provide is a compassionate spirit and a positive attitude.
- Who will I work with?
As a dedicated volunteer, it is vital to work closely with our staff and communicate regularly with the administrator overseeing your placement. Additionally, we may assign you to work alongside other volunteers who share your project goals. Rest assured that our committed staff is available 24/7 to provide the necessary support, and we will assign a staff member to cater to your individual needs. This is a mandatory step to guarantee the success of all our programs.
- How do I get to the placement?
Rest assured that our team will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that volunteers are provided with all-encompassing information on how to reach the placement site, including precise directions, vehicle requirements, and transportation fees. We will reiterate the instructions until the volunteer is absolutely self-assured in their ability to commute between the accommodation and placement site.
9. What will be my daily schedule?
Volunteers must commit to working for approximately 8 hours per day with some flexibility. The day commences with breakfast at 7:00 am, followed by a walk or ride to the placement site at 7:30 am. At 8:00 am sharp, volunteers receive instructions for their daily assignment, which begins at 8:30 am without fail. A break for lunch, snacks, and rest is taken at 12:00 pm, with volunteer work resuming promptly at 1:00 pm. The day concludes at 4:30 pm, but volunteers have the obligation to continue based on the need. Dinner is usually served at 6:00 pm, but the time may vary. Evenings are an excellent opportunity for volunteers to socialize with their host family and learn about their culture and traditions.
- What can I do when I am not volunteering?
Volunteers must research the 16 distinct regions and their cultural and tourist sites before arriving in Ghana to plan their weekend appropriately. Our team will assist in selecting tourist sites, providing safety checks, and recommending accommodations and tour guides, if necessary. Exploration possibilities include monkey sanctuaries, safari rides, hiking, waterfalls, open street markets, museums, forts, and castles. After completing their duties, volunteers can visit shopping and market centers before dinner on weekdays.
- Does my fee cover flight, visa, and insurance?
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free volunteering experience, it’s crucial that volunteers take responsibility for their flight, visa, and insurance expenses. It’s important to be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise, such as illness, injury, flight cancellations, or theft. We highly recommend that volunteers opt for travel insurance to provide an added layer of protection, although it’s not mandatory. For those interested, worldnomads https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance offers a range of travel insurance options to choose from.