Ghana

Overview
Orphanages
Teaching
Women
Health
Conservation
Construction
Internships
Cost

Overview

Woman in Kumasi The people and geography of Ghana in many ways reflect the vast diversity of the African continent. The south consists of lush tropical jungle and coastal plains which give way to open savannah in the northern region. Near the Burkina Faso border, the climate resemples the hot, arid deserts of North Africa. The Ashanti, one of the great Sub-Saharan civilizations, make their home in central Ghana by the shores of Lake Volta--one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. tropical forest in Southern Ghana The Northern Region is home to the big game more often associated with countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Elephants, baboons, buffalo, antelope, warthogs, and the occasional big cat live in the savannah and thrive in Mole National Park. Altogether, five major ethnic groups speak 50 different languages. As Ghana was the first African colony to gain independence from Great Britain in 1957, the people have really strived to develop a national culture which is uniquely African.

carrying water in the northern region

Ghana represents a great "first step" into Africa. It is easily accessible to new travelers to the continent and the Ghanaian people are well known among as being some of the most hospitable people in the world. Ghanaians tend to take life at a relaxed pace, viewing time as a series of events rather than a matter of calendars, hours, or minutes. Visitors quickly fall in love with the goegraphic and cultural beauty, and many make a point to return many times during their life.

ELI partners with local organizations in rural and urban areas throughout Ghana to create unique volunteer and internship programs designed to give participants a cultural understanding of this incredible country.

Orphanages


One of the major concerns in Ghana, as in many developing countries, is population growth. Both the government and NGO’s have worked to establish orphanages to help give a home to children that have been abandoned or abused. ELI works with several different orphanages throughout Ghana, helping the often overworked staff to keep the facilities running. Orphanages rely on the assistance our volunteers can provide to insure that they can accept as many children as possible. Each orphanage houses anywhere between 20 and 100 abandoned children. All these children have come from poor families and many have suffered from malnutrition or neglect. The children thrive on the attention and love our volunteers can share with them. Volunteers don't necessarily need care giving experience; just energy, enthusiasm, an open mind and an open heart. Orphanages often operate with very limited resources; this requires a high level of creativity and flexibility on the part of the volunteer.

Teaching


Schools in Ghana are extremely underfunded. Students often lack the most basic of school supplies, and teachers tend to be underpaid and overworked. ELI works with local schools throughout Ghana to help provide additional teachers to work in these schools. Volunteers may teach a variety of subjects, but are primarily useful for their English speaking skills. Students benefit greatly from volunteers who can bring a variety of perspectives to the classroom. This placement does not require teaching experience, though it may be helpful. Successful volunteers are highly motivated and very flexible.

Women


ELI works with several organizations throughout Ghana that work to empower women in the community. These organizations range from centers that assist women who have been victims of sexual or physical abuse to cooperatives that help women start and run their own businesses. Depending on their experience and education level, volunteers can assist with day-to-day activities and chores, or help with planning and implementing programs.

Health

Throughout Ghana, as in much of Africa, there is a severe lack of funding for medical equipment and personnel. ELI works with clinics and hospitals throughout the country which provide care primarily toward high-need communities. Volunteers shadow and assist doctors providing general medical care in mostly rural environments.

To learn more about health programs in Ghana, see Sarah's Photo Journal.

Conservation


The entire continent of Africa has a wealth of biological diversity and Ghana is no exception. Our brand new programs allow volunteers and interns the opportunity to get involved in aiding the preservation of this biodiversity in a variety of different ways throughout the country. Zoos Volunteers and interns with an interest in African animals can work at either the Kumasi or the Accra Zoo. Both of these zoos have a wide range of animal exhibits ranging from large carnivorous mammals to reptiles and large birds. Participants work with every aspect of zoo operation, from feeding to cage cleaning and work in the animal nursery. Interns with specialized interests such as veterinarian, husbandry, or tourism should talk to us. We can work with the zoos to create specialized programs that match those needs. Since the first two weeks of these programs are primarily orientation weeks, the minimum time commitment for these programs is 6 weeks. Monkey Sanctuary ELI works with a monkey sanctuary about 3 hours outside of Kumasi that is truly unique. It is the only place where two particular species of "sacred" monkey (the Campbell's Mona and the Geoffrey's Columbus) are able to live within the same habitat as human beings totally incorporated into the day-to-day life. Ghanaians in this area have grown up with the monkeys and accept them as truly part of the society. Eight human communities and two monkey communities have lived together in harmony for a very long time. The major problem is the encroaching outside world as poachers gradually invade. Volunteers in this region work with members of the local community to help protect the monkeys through patrols through the region. Volunteers also assist in collecting revenue from tourists, guiding tours, and educating them on the circumstances in the. Participants will likely have to work during the weekends as this is when tourists tend to come through. During the week, work hours are much decreased. Sea Turtle Conservation and Ecotourism Another placement that deals explicitly with preserving the biodiversity in Ghana is our Turtle Conservation project. Participants work in the Songor Ramsa region which includes the Volta River Estuary and the Songor lagoon. Volunteers work to collect data on nesting turtles and to assist with ecological restoration in damaged areas. Volunteers who are interested in tourism can help with the ecotourism side of the site by leading tours and educational activities both in the park and in local schools. This placement is open year-round. Peak turtle nesting season in Ghana is between September and January however, so participants primarily interested in helping with those aspects of the project should travel during those times.

Construction


Sometimes the most helpful way to volunteer is to simply be an additional hand for the people already actively working in the field. Volunteer projects in construction offer participants the opportunity to tangibly see the results of their labors as they assist with the actual building process. Participants aid skilled contractors and builders to build schools, orphanages, or community centers throughout Ghana. No prior construction experience is required, although it may be helpful. Participants must be in good physical shape.

Internships

Ghana is a great place to pursue an internship whether you are just starting your career or to broaden your experience. Successful interns have the ability to be flexible, maintain a sense of humor in frustrating situations, and a deep interest in learning firsthand about the vibrant cultures of Ghana.

Doctor's Consultation Room, Northern Region Medical

ELI works with hospitals and clinics throughout Ghana to provide medical internship programs designed for pre-medical students. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the day to day practice of medicine in Ghana by shadowing doctors and nurses. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the challenges the Ghanaian healthcare system is facing first hand. Interns will also learn about the treatment of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, Guinea Worm, and tuberculosis. Participants with this program will have no medical responsibilities, but depending on qualifications, may be asked to assist with tasks around the hospital or clinic. Interns with this program are encouraged to get involved with health education and outreach programs as a way to give back to the community. For more information on a rural medical placement, see Sarah's photojournal .

Journalism

Ghana is a great place to start or broaden your career in journalism. ELI works with several print media outlets in Accra where interns can experience the energy of the newsroom, assist the editorial staff, or even write articles. All journalism internships are set up on an individual basis. Specific placements will depend on the experience, skills, and goals of the applicant.

Community Development Shoe Models at a Vocational Training Center

Throughout Ghana, a variety of NGOs are working to promote economic development in small towns and rural areas. These organizations focus on a variety of issues ranging from infrastructure development and improvement to capacity building and adult education. Interns with this program will assist with ongoing projects and may possibly be able to implement new projects or new approaches to projects. This program requires at least a three month commitment.

Elephants at Mole National Park Environmental/Eco-tourism

Ghana is famous for its friendly people, but the country also has incredible natural wealth. Unfortunately, much of the country has been deforested and wildlife crowded out by dense human populations. Ghanaians are starting to realize the importance of environmental preservation and the potential opportunities for eco-tourism. Many governmental departments, local organizations, and NGOs are working with communities in rural areas to develop stronger local economies in a sustainable manner. Participants in this program will assist with educational programs, marketing campaigns, and conservation activities. Interns with this program must be motivated self starters and prepared to live in rural Ghana.

Legal Aid

Organizations throughout Ghana are working to provide legal services to the underserved populations, mostly women and the poor. Interns with this program will gain insight into the day to day practice of law in Ghana as well as become familiar with many of the legal and human rights issues faced by the poor. This internship is designed for law students or law school graduates. Interns must be motivated, independent, and very proactive in the position. This internship requires at least a three month commitment, and participants must be prepared to adapt to challenging cultural differences. Children Collecting Water, Northern Region

Water and Sanitation

Access to water has been one of the biggest and most controversial issues in Ghana during the past 10 years. Water shortages and been experienced in both urban and rural areas due to drought and lack of infrastructure. Many families start their day with a hike of several miles in search of water. Interns can work with an organization devoted to providing sustainable potable water and sanitation services to rural communities in Ghana. A major component of this project is hygiene education and promotion in order to prevent contamination of the water supply and illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, and parasites which are associated with unsafe water sanitation. Interns wanting to be involved with the actual digging of wells should join the program during the dry season (October-May) because the water table rises during the wet season, and many roads become impassable.

Cost

Length of Program	Program Fees
2 Weeks	US$1025
4 Weeks	US$1250
6 Weeks	US$1375
8 Weeks	US$1550
10 Weeks	US$1675
12 Weeks	US$1800

Application Fee: $200
(refundable only if we are unable to find a placement that matches your request)

Programs can last up to one year. Each additional two weeks costs $125.

Program Includes:

*Pre-departure Information
*Airport Pickup
*4 Day Orientation
*Accommodation
*Breakfast During the Orientation
*Breakfast and Dinner With the Host Family
*24/7 In-country Support

Program Does Not Include:

*Round Trip Airfare
*Return Trip to Airport
*Required Travel and Medical Insurance
*Travel Within Ghana
*Visa Fees

Accommodations:

Volunteers in Ghana stay with local host families. ELI truly believes that this is the best way to fully immerse in another culture and get the most from an international experience. All families are carefully screened and are well-respected members of the community with at least one family member who speaks English. Participants will have either a private or shared bedroom with secure storage (volunteer must provide own padlock). Bathrooms are shared with the host family. Volunteers will be provided with breakfast and dinner daily.

Start Dates:

Orientation begins every Monday. Volunteers should arrive in Accra on Sunday.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. We prefer to let participants decide what kind of coverage they need. Please see our FAQ page for information on travel insurance.

All prices are listed in US Dollars. The program fees reflect the costs ELI faces when setting up a program. We work hard to keep our costs as low as possible. ELI is a registered 501(c)3 non profit. US taxpayers may be able to deduct some or all of the program fees. If you are outside the US and wondering what these costs translate to in your currency, click here for an online conversion tool that will give you the approximate current exchange rate.

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