| Web Site | Email Organization | Telephone No.
|
Countries/States Served:
Ghana
People Utilized or Employed:
Trainable Volunteers
Types of Students Allowed:
Medical Students, Premedical Students, Dental Students, Predental Students, Nursing Students, Prenursing Students, Pharmacy Students, Veterinary Students, Preveterinary Students, Optometry Students, Preoptometry Students |
Program Length:
Short Term (Less than 1 month) and Long Term (Greater than 1 month)
Language Skills:
English, French
Religious Affiliations:
University Affiliations:
|
|
Email This Opportunity to a Friend:
|
Reviews of INTERNATIONAL PAN AFRICAN VOLUNTEERS volunteer programs:
0 Reviews of . | Write a Review
|
|
Mission Statement: (See Web Site For Updated Information)
2008-2009 Guide to Volunteering in Ghana With International Pan African
Volunteers (IPAV)
Warning And Request
While we make every effort to ensure details are up-to-date,changes sometimes
occur which are beyond our control.If you do find something has changed,please
tell us and help make information for future volunteers even more accurate and
useful.
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this document is to give you an insight into volunteering in Ghana
with the International Pan African Volunteers (IPAV).It is not
designed as a definitive guide to the country.,but aims to help you build up a
good picture of what to expect when you choose to volunteer with IPAV in Ghana.
1. Country Overview
2. Why do we have project in Ghana
3. society and culture
4. Making the most of your placement
5. Communication
6. Food and drink
7. Transportation
8. Climate
9. Travel safety
10. Money and budgeting
11. What to pack
12. Visa Information
13. Places to visit
14. Useful websites and information resources
15. Useful Akan / Krobo Languages
16. Festivals and holidays
17. Other useful information
18. The role of your in country coordinator
19. Why pay to volunteer
20. Fund raising Information
21. HIV/AIDS
1. Country Overview
Ghana is rated as one of the most peaceful countries in West Africa.Ghana is
the first African country to attain independence on the 6th March, 1957.,under
the leadership of one great Pan Africanist Dr.Kwame Nkrumah.It is rated as the
business gateway to Africa.Ghanas neighboring countries are: The Republic
of Togo,Cote De voire and Burkina Faso.Within those borders are encompassed some
of the most beautiful and amazing places you may ever have the good fortune to
visit.
Geographically,Ghana is split into 2 major parts namely the southern sector and
the northern sector.
The Southern Sector comprises Eastern Region,Greater Accra Region,Central
Region,Western region and the Volta Region
The Northern Sector comprises Ashanti Region,Brong Ahafo,Northern Region,Upper
East Region and the Upper West Region.
All regions have its regional capital with districts capitals.You can find
vital information about Ghana on these websites:
www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomepage/general
www.ghanadistricts.com
Ghanas economy is a mixture of third , second class and first class
standards of living.Cocoa and mining wealth is the key to the economy not
forgetting the newly discovered crude oil at cape three point ready to be
exploited.
2. Why do we have project in Ghana
It is undesputable fact that Ghana., rated as a developing country by the World
Bank is developing at a fast pace that need the services of our brothers and
sisters in the diaspora.IT is vital to come and volunteer with the International
Pan African Volunteers in the fields of :
Education,Culture and Environment,Arts and crafts,Health and Sanitation,Eco -
tourism,Culture studies,Capacity building,Engineering etc.
Volunteering with IPAV shall give you a feel of Africa., you will have the
opportunity of staying with African host families,it will give you an indept
knowledge about how to do business or relocating to Africa.You will have the
opportunity of obtaining work permit as a volunteer.
3. Society and Culture
The population of Ghana is approximately 22,931,299.there are numerous spoken
languages in Ghana.The most widely spoken languages in Ghana are
Akan,Ga-dangme,Hausa,Guan,Frafra and Ewe.The official language of instruction in
English.One of the most overwhelming things you will notice in Ghana is how
friendly the people of Ghana are.Infact,they are hospitable and very proud of
their communities and their country.They respect every calibra of person.It is
normal to see Ghanaians calling you in their local dialect oburoni
,lefono , yervoo which means you a foreigner.
Tipping in Ghana is not all that mandatory when you consider the low wages
paid.The suggested standard amount to tip is 10 - 15.If you hire a care it is
also important you remember to tip the guys in the city car parks,they look
after the car and help to reduce crime.Women are usually refered to as
ladies and expected to be respected as such.Ghanaians respect any
person of any gender who is older than you and as such compliments of the day.
Pleasantries must be accorded to any person older than you.
4. Making the most of your placement
Whichever placement you are, doing the most important thing is to go into ti
with an open mind.things will not be the same as your home country and it may
take you some time to settle into things and get used to the way things are done
in Ghana.
As a volunteer you must be able to take the initiative and communicate with
local staff as well as other volunteers.You will not always be given a set time
table of activities every day and you may ask the project counterpart where they
need your help and initiate activities yourself.Do not be afraid to ask.
5. Communications
Mails can be received at the mailing address of the International Pan African
Volunteers.If you are on a shorter placement you probably will not get the post
before you leave and is advisable you use the internet.The postal system is
quite reliable but tends to take a few weeks for international mail.
There are plenty of internet cafes,especially in the cities and the
districts.Some host families have internet services at home but is advisable you
pay some money as a contribution for internet usage if volunteer will stay for
long period.
Some projects/accommodations may let you use their land lines, if you pay for
your calls,others have phone card lines for your use .(if you do not use the
phone at your project please ensure any outstanding bills are paid before you
leave the project/accommodation). Almost all mobile phone networks can cover
Ghana., you can buy cheap SIM Cards so that international calls can work out
cheaper on your mobile phone.
It is recommendable to use unlocked GSM mobile phones or dual band GSM mobile
phones.There is only one CDMA mobile phone service provider in Ghana.It is
called Kasapa.
6. Food and drink
Tap water in Ghana is safe to drink in most places.Most of the familiar brands
of soft drinks etc are available but you may find that local brands are cheaper
than imported brands.
Barbecues (sewya) and local beverages are a traditional Ghanaian favourit.Lots
of food and vegetables are features of traditional Ghanaian Cuisine.
Wines,whisky,gins,beverages and canned foods are available all over Ghana.What
you eat in your country can be ordered in Ghana in most of the shopping malls
that accepts international credit cards.
7. Transportation
Most accommodation is either on - site or within a short walk of the
project.Public transport in Ghana is great for both long and short journeys.Our
in - country team will be able to help you with your choice of transportation
etc.
When you booking your international flight,shop around for a good price.If you
are doing a rotation flying in and out from different international airports can
prove expensive, it can sometimes be cheaper to book in and out of the same
international airport and book a return internal flight
Transfer between centers on the rotation project is not included in the
placement price.Our in-country coordinator will help you organize internal
flights or coach tickets to transfer between the sites.You will rely on mini
vans and buses that are air conditioned for long journeys.Taxis work 24/7 almost
allover Ghana and fares are reasonable but it is advisable volunteers oblidge to
boarding the trotro.
when you have finished your placement,your coordinator can arrange a transfer
for you.Let us know in good time if you want to use this service and pay
promptly either your In country coordinator or the driver as required.
8. Climate
The climate of Ghana is tropical, but temperatures vary with season and
elevation. Except in the north two rainy seasons occur, from April to July and
from September to November. In the north the rainy season begins in April and
lasts until September. Annual rainfall ranges from about 1,100 mm (about 43 in)
in the north to about 2,100 mm (about 83 in) in the southeast. The harmattan, a
dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March, lowering the
humidity and creating hot days and cool nights in the north. In the south the
effects of the harmattan are felt in January. In most areas the highest
temperatures occur in March, the lowest in August.
The average annual temperature is about 26oC (about 79oF).
Annual Rainfall: 736.6mm / 29
Temp
January: 27 Sunny skys (dry)
Feb 28 Sunny skys (dry)
March 28 Sunny skys (dry)
April 28 light rains
May 27 heavy rains
June 26 heavy rains
July 25 light rains
August 24 Scattered showers
September 25 Scattered showers
October 26 Sunny skies
November 27 Sunny skies
December 28 Sunny skies (dry)
9. Travel Safety
The most important thing is to keep things in perspective.Ghana (especially
Accra and Kumasi) does have some slums that have some crime risk.Volunteers are
advised not to visit the slums.You are advised to follow these simple rules for
your travel safety when volunteering in Ghana.
Never carry anything you can not afford to loose
Do not look like you may have valuables or a lot of cash,expensive designer
cloths can put you as much at risk as flashing your wallet or jewelery about.
Do not resist security personnels
Listern to the advise of your coordinators and other locals on unsafe areas
and general safety tips
Try not to look lost or apprehensive
Do not do anything you would not do at home.People often behave differently
abroad doing things they would not even consider doing at home.Before you do
anything,stop and think would i do this at home?
Do not leave your possessions lying around.It only take a minute for someone
to walk past and pick them up.Do not leave your wallet on the table,your bag on
the floor etc.
Always keep two lots of money (an emergency card) e.g. some in your wallet
and some in your pocket.this way if you are mugged and give them your wallet you
still have enough money to get by until you can sort yourself out
10.Money and Budgeting
The unit of currency in Ghana is the Ghana Cedis (GHC).The GHC has become more
stable in recent time.Say GHC 1 is equivalent to 1.Most banks will charge with
a commission to exchange travelers cheque.IT is advisable to travel with hard
currency and major credit cards.Most shops,banks,hotels and firms honor credit
cards.Visa,Master,Amex are major cards that are acceptable in Ghana.
There are forex beaurue in Ghana that you can exchange your hard currency with
good exchange rates.In the districts you can rely on the services of trustworthy
black market dealers.Your host can direct you to them.
11. What to pack
Remember these are essentials and only you know what you will need to make you
comfortable for your stay.If you are staying a long time in Ghana.,you do not
need to bulk buy things like shampoo etc.Nearly all the brands in the western
world are available in Ghana.
Suggested things to pack are:
Long sleeve tops and trouser
sturdy boots
wet weather gear
sun hat
sun screen
sun glass
personal drink bottle
backpacks
mosquito/insect repellant
towels
torch
personal first aid kit
alarm clock
trainers
You can add other stuffs that you personally like to use.You will need malaria
medication.
12. visa Information
Your visa is granted based on selected project duration.If your stay is longer
than this,you can renew your visa for another 3 months relatively easily.If you
need to renew your visa,you must do so at least 1 month before your visa
expires.
First time travelers to Ghana require visa to be issued from their home country
where there is Ghana Diplomatic Mission.If there is not Ghana Diplomatic Mission
in your country of origin,Visa would be issued on arrival at the Kotoka
International Airport.Accra.Ghana.
13. Places to visit
Ghana is a friendly hospitable country to volunteer in.It is IPAV policy that
its volunteers go on a sight seeing trip every weekend.Almost all tourist
attractions in Ghana are Eco-friendly and accessible by road.You will have the
opportunity to explore Ghanas serene coastal lands with
beaches,caves,castles,forts,bird watching scenes and great resorts.It is
undesputable fact that almost every district in Ghana have tourist attractions.
You will be visiting waterfalls,game and wild life reserves,arts and crafts
villages and markets,bead making villages and markets etc.Festivals in Ghana are
great to attend and you are advised to carry along your digital camera and
camcoder if you have any.Visit the Ghana tourist board website for vital tourist
information.
14. Useful websites and information resources
www.mint.gov.gh
www.ghanadistricts.com
www.botifalls.com
www.ghanaimmigration.org
www.touringghana.com/festivals.asp
www.tigo.com.gh
www.onetouch.com.gh
www.mtn.com.gh
15. Useful Akan / Krobo Languages
English Akan Krobo
------- ---- -----
come bra ba
money sika sika
how are you eti sen ke oh nge keh
stupid/silly kwasia kwasia
man berma nyumu
woman orbaa yoo
welcoma akwaaba moo hee
drinks nsah daa
water nsuo nyuu
cloths atarde trade
whats your name ye fre wo sen ka tse moo keh
where are u going wu koo hi ji je oh yah
whiteman oburoni blefono
blackman obibini nomloyumu
thanks me daa si moo tuu mi
sorry kuuseh kpo mo
a volunteer obuafou ma waa lor
here aha hior
food eduani niyeni
help bua bua
yes ampa nokwale
no daa bi daa bi
teacher okyerefuo teecher
chief nana nene
queen ohenemaa manye
16. Festivals and Holidays
Please checkout the Ghana Ministry of Tourism for festival dates.
www.touringghana.com/mot.asp
www.touringghana.com/festivals.asp
Statutory Public Holidays in Ghana
New Years Day 1st January
Independence Day 6th March
May Day 1st May
A.U Day 25th May
Republic Day 1st July
Farmers Day 1st friday in December
Chrismas Day 25th December
Boxing Day 26th December
17. Other Useful Information
You will need to fly into Accra.Our country coordinator and team will be at the
airport to welcome you and pick you up.You will be staying in Accra for 3 days
for orientation to acclamatise yourself into Ghanaian Culture.On the 4th day
,they country coordinator and team will drive you from Accra to project site.
In-country team
Your in-country team consist of Mr.Rudolf K.N. Yeboah.IPAV coordinator for
Ghana.Ruddy as they always call him is a native of Ghana and lives in Somanya
Krobo.His residence is a place to stay and his family are prominent people in
krobo and very hospitable.Ruddy is passionate about his home country and works
tirelessly to making IPAV what it is today.He is fun loving and hard working in
conservation and humanitarian works.
Mr.Fred Nyarko of Giffred Ventures.Accra is a busy hardworking man and a patron
of IPAV.You will always see him driving volunteers wherever they would like to
go in Accra.At night Mr.Fred will be found socializing toe good folks exchanging
ideas.
Miss. Erica Sackey is one the the educational coordinator in the remote krobo
area.She is a teacher and very very sociable and a good cook as well as good
care taker for volunteers.
This is just few person to talk about but remember most of IPAV in country team
in Ghana are reliable working with.
18. The role of your in-country coordinator
To organise for you to be collected from the airport on the specific arrival
date.If your flight has been delayed or cancelled,where possible,please call the
coordinator to avoid unecesary waiting at the airport
To provide a comprehensive orientation to the country.
To arrange an introduction to your project and accommodation on arrival into
the country.
To ensure you are aware of the travel details to get to your project both
from orientation and on a daily basis.
To advice on issues regarding your project and accommodation that you may
have in the country.
To provide 24 hours asitance should there be an emergency
(medical,personal,political or natural).
To be in contact at least once during your placement to check that you have
no issues and are enjoying your time.This may be done via email,telephone or in
person.
They are your point of contact and will be able to offer advice about extra
activities and the safest way to organize them.
Your coordinator will collect feedbacks from volunteers to ensure that any
improvements re made where necessary.You will also be sent an email at the end
of your placement for feedback on your fill experience.
Please note: Your coordinator is not responsible for the following:
Your coordinator is available for help and advice but please remember to
contact them within office hours(your coordinator will inform you of the hours
during your orientation meeting) unless you have an emergency.remember they are
on call 365 days a year.
19. Why pay to volunteer?
International Pan African Volunteers (IPAV) Supports good causes worldwide by
matching volunteers skills with worthwhile projects in Africa.These program is
not supported by external fundings but by the volunteers themselves.We are not a
charity nor a not for profit organization and we do not receive financial
backing from the Government.The fee you pay covers a number of key services and
means that IPAV never pass any costs on to the projects themselves.
Therefore, much of your placement fee does go back into IPAV for a range of
purposes.this involves marketing our placements so that we can make people aware
of the need for volunteers and paying for the IPAV team.(in country team etc)
IPAV is growing and needs websites and branch offices in USA,Caribbean,Africa
and Europe.What you pay for volunteering is allocated towards realizing these
goals.Maintaining working relationships with several hundreds existing projects
across the world,researching new projects and traveling to those destination for
training.
We do not provide finances to the project as this is often fund to have
negative result and contradicts the very purpose of our placements.We aim to
provide existing local projects with volunteer labor in order to complete
activities they may not be able to do otherwise,to help such people improve
their community.We aim to help projects to become self sufficient,without the
need to rely on hands outs.If you would like to help the project that you are
working on, you can apply for funding from any international body.
Your contribution therefore covers:
A guaranteed worthwhile project selected with assistance from our officers.
The services of your professional support network prior to departure and in
your destinations are trained to ensure that you are provided with safe and
secure travel experience we provide 24/7 back up (both in - country and in
countries where our volunteers are coming from).
the cost of your expericen - you do not freeload on the host
community,because you are paying your own way.
The cost of ensuring that your contribution is part of the larger sustainable
project which ensures that what tye do realy does make a difference.
Below is a guideline to help explain how your placement fee is used:
1/3 is used for volunteer recruitment and project cost.This includes:
online and off line marketing
travel shows
open days
developing and maintaining website
advertising
1/3 is used to support you in the country
accommodation
orientation
co - ordination fee
a contribution to save the youth project
1/3 is used for administration and training cost
office cost
salaries
welcome packs
staff training costs
20. Fund raising Information
If you are intending to fund raise to help pay for your volunteering trip,we
have some resources available that can help you.
You can contact the Ghana team and request for recycled beads,shea butter,glass
beads and ornaments,wood carving,batik tie die and other stuffs that can help
raise funds to pay for you.
21. HIV/AIDS
Please be aware of extremely high levels of AIDS/HIV infection in
Africa.Exposure to blood.blood products,or body fluids may put you at risk or
contracting the disease.transmission is predominantly through sexual
activities.It is INPOSIBLE to detect HIV status in an otherwise healthy
person.Please practice safe sex or abstainance.AIDS is indiscriminate and can be
found throughout every society,regardless of who they are or where you meet them
they could put you at risk.
If you have been put at risk of the disease please visit a doctor or tell your
In country coordinator straight away.There are treatments that can limit your
chances of getting the disease but they need to be administered quickly.Please
do not risk your health.Always practice safe sex.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Information:
You can use the following pages to make notes or record any additional
information that you may need on your project
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IPAV CODE OF CONDUCT
This code of conduct sets out the standards of behavior that is expected of
International Pan African Volunteers,not only IPAV as a volunteer placement
organization,but also by the In country coordinators,the home stay families and
providers of accommodation and most importantly,the project that we work with.
This code is seperate into three sections:
General
At the project
Accommodation
IPAV is fully committed to responsible volunteer travel and sustainable
tourism.The code of conduct is designed to help you achieve the most out of your
placement in a safe manner.It also ensures that the organizations and people we
work with are treated with respect and that consideration is given to other
cultural aspects during your placement.
General
You must :
Listern to, and follow the advice or request of your in- country coordinator.
Understand that you are a representative of not IPAV but also your county of
origin and act accordingly.
Realize IPAV have a zero tolerance policy towards the possession and use of
illigal substances.If you are found in possession of,or are under the influence
of such substances,you will have your placement contract suspended.
Respect, and seek to undertand,the culture of the country you are placed
in.This involves being tolerant to varying approaches of the local people (your
coordinator can explain the cultural norms and advice you.)
Follow your project rules: respect your family and local community regarding
consumption of alcohol
Be aware of potentially different attitudes towards sexual relationships in
the country which you are volunteering and understand the effect that any such
relationship may have on individuals and the local community
Treat all people with respect and dignity
Dress appropriately at all times with regard to the culture you are living in
Not engage in illigal activities
Keep your In- country coordinator informed of your plans about trips and
weekend
Consult your In - country coordinator outside normal working hours only for
an emergency.
At the project
You must:
Endeavor to maintain a positive mental attitude throughout your placement
Act as a conscientious member of the project team.You are relied on as a
dedicated member of staff
Abide by all the rules of the project at which you are working and respect
them as any other member of staff
Work hard to achieve not only your own personal goals but also those of the
project and the people and / or organization that you are helping.
Listern to , and follow, the instructions of your counterpart/ contacts at
the projects in addition to those of your in-country coordinator
Inform your supervisor/contact at the project if you are at any time unable
to fulfill the duties to which you have committed.
You must treat with care all of the materials that you use during placement
Make suitable arrangements with your In-country coordinator to extend your
placement and arrange vital payments
Accommodation
You must:
Respect local custom and abide by the rules of the accommodation in which you
are staying
Check with either the home-stay family or owner of accommodation before
inviting anybody to your room
Respect the accommodation you are using and pay for any damage you may cause
to the property
Keep the room clean and tidy
Be polite to ask owner of accommodation if its okay to smoke at home or in
public
Stay at the accommodation allocated to you.You are not allowed to make your
own accommodation arrangement for security reasons.
5 points to think about before you leave
Arrange for a medical and dental check-up and necessary vaccinations before
you start your IPAV placement.
Always act legally and be responsible
Take copies of all important documents (ID,tickets,insurance,credit cards
etc)
Note emergency telephone numbers in case of a medical emergency or in the event
of a loss or theft ( to block cards/accounts etc)
Do not carry too much cash.
Please try to familiarize yourself with the living conditions of your
destination country and come prepared,e.g take insect repellent,sun protection
and suitable clothing for the climate.Innorculate against malaria.
Arrival in Ghana
Make sure before you depart from your country., notify IPAV in country
coordinator in Ghana about your departure and arrival time.
IPAV country coordinator and team will be at the airport to welcome you and
pick you up.
To help you settle into Ghanaian culture,you will receive a 3 days country
introduction lessons.
Country introduction lessons covers
education on Ghanaian culture and customs
health and safety
Ghanaian foods
city tour of Accra.
CONTACT:
MR. RUDDY NARTEY
INTERNATIONAL PAN AFRICAN VOLUNTEERS
MAIN POST SA 290
SOMANYA KROBO
GHANA 23321
PHONE +233-244-817772 |
|
