ELI works with local organizations to create volunteer programs in both rural and urban settings. Volunteers live with local host families and share the easy rhythm of Ghanaian life.

Orphanages

Over 170,000 children in Ghana have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic, and more have been orphaned by malaria, accidents, and other unfortunate events. Extended family and friends take in many of the children, but the remainder of the children must either live on their own or in orphanages. ELI works with orphanages throughout Ghana that work to not only feed, clothe, and shelter the children, but also to to offer the empowering benefits of education and healthcare. The main responsibility of a volunteer at an orphanage is to spend time with the children and give them the attention they need to thrive. Volunteers will organize activities for the children, assist with educational activities, and help with the day to day care of the children. Working in an orphanage requires motivation, energy, patience, and resourcefulness.

Teaching

Ghanaian schools face the same challenges that most schools in Africa face: overcrowding, lack of materials, and lack of teacher training. In many classrooms, the student-teacher ratio can be as high as 60-70 students for every teacher. Ghanaian schools also face shortages of books, paper, pencils, and other school supplies, and teachers rarely have the opportunity to pursue further training. Most teaching placements are in smaller towns and villages where the need is greatest. ELI offers both volunteer teaching placements and a year-long teaching internship.

HIV and Health Education

In 2003, the Ghana AIDS commission estimated that over 350,000 people in Ghana are living with HIV or AIDS. The effects of the epidemic are felt in all levels of society. Community based organizations throughout Ghana have played a key role in in fighting the AIDS epidemic through prevention and treatment programs. Volunteers can work with community organizations to assist with home based visitation and counseling activities, facilitating educational activities, and designing educational materials. Other topics for these programs may include hygiene education, malaria prevention, and Guinea worm prevention.

Women's Programs

Reducing gender inequalities increases both welfare and economic productivity. Persisting inequalities experienced by Ghanaian women include less access to education, healthcare, credit, nutrition, and a higher incidence of HIV/AIDS. ELI works with a variety of organizations in Ghana with the aim of reducing these inequalities and empowering women to participate in and contribute to the economy.

Construction Projects

Volunteers can assist with projects such as building schools, houses, and orphanges. These projects are constantly changing and require participants to be capable of labor intensive tasks such as mixing concrete, bricklaying, and painting.