Volunteer in Ghana - It Will Change You Forever...
- World's most affordable fees guaranteed
- Pay your program fees directly to your host families and projects
- Experienced local staffs to attend to your every need
- Flexible schedule that leaves evenings and weekends free for fun, travel and exploration
Travel and volunteer in Ghana! Located in the heart of west Africa, Ghana’s enchanting land boasts European castles, pristine beaches, fishing villages and a vibrant culture. Volunteers in Accra can get lost in the modernized capital city with its frenzied low-rise skyline full of exotic cuisine, waterfront views and surrounding villages. Volunteers can wonder through colorful markets, the National Museum, Independence Square, shopping malls, zoos, the National Theatre, the Osu Castle, the Shai Reserve and relax on beaches. Kumasi is known as the “Garden City” and the “heart beat” of Ghana due to its exotic and diverse plants. Kumasi features a famous central market, Tafo kumasi, Fort Kumasi (built by the British in 1896 to replace an Asante fort and now the Kumasi Hat Museum and the award-winning Kumasi Asante Kotoko soccer team. Regardless of what you are interested in, there is truly something for everybody.
Sadly, Ghana is plagued by a plethora of problems such as HIV/AIDS, other diseases, food shortages and a lack of education and resources. Therefore, time and dedication from motivated volunteers is significantly needed and appreciated by locals. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in Ghana to work in a variety of community development projects such as assisting orphanage homes, teaching English in schools, working in clinics/hospitals and promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. As a volunteer in Ghana, you will enrich the lives of others while exploring an enchanting and beautiful African country and its culture. Regardless of the project you choose, you will undoubtedly change the lives others while growing personally, professionally and emotionally. Your views of the world will be forever changed. Are you ready to go beyond your boundaries and explore Africa? Begin your Ghana journey today! Email us now and we will gladly send you more information. You won’t regret it!
Program Fee
Helping Abroad volunteers Program starts every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
Are you looking for a safe and affordable volunteer abroad experience? Do you want to see the fees you pay, being utilized towards the welfare of the project and host families? Helping abroad, a 501 c 3, offer volunteer programs at unbeatable, low prices. At Helping Abroad, we maintain a level of transparency of funds, especially for volunteers who want to know where and how the fee they pay are being channelized. The volunteer fee is paid directly to the families that host volunteers and the project that volunteers work on. The program fee is divided as registration fee (>$299) and weekly fee. The registration fee is used to cover our expenses like advertisement and office expenses. The weekly fee is divided between room/local food (3 times a day, 50-70%) and project donation/ support to local project staff (30-50%) and local coordination fee (10%). The allocation may differ according to location and project type. Therefore, our coordinator will explain these issues before you pay the fees. Please find the breakdown of the cost in a weekly basis below:
| Duration |
Projects |
| 1 Week |
$200 |
| 2 Weeks |
$325 |
| 3 Weeks |
$450 |
| 4 Weeks |
$575 |
| 5 Weeks |
$700 |
| 6 Weeks |
$825 |
| 7 Weeks |
$950 |
| 8 Weeks |
$1,075 |
| 9 Weeks |
$1,200 |
| 10 Weeks |
$1,325 |
| 11 Weeks |
$1,450 |
| 12 Weeks |
$1,575 |
Additional Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day »
- Airport pick up & transfer (1 hour) $50
- Language and Culture Program fee $250
- Summer volunteer and adventure (4 weeks include travel) $1869
Program Fees Cover
- Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- Airport pick up/Transfer
- Program Orientation
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The volunteer trip in Ghana program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
Volunteer Programs
Work in an Orphanage in Ghana (Accra area, Kumasi)
In 2009, Unicef estimated that there are 1,100,000 orphans ages 0-17 in Ghana. Volunteer in an orphanage in Ghana and help provide destitute children with much deserved love, basic necessities and an education. Harsh life environments, HIV/AIDS, other diseases, extreme poverty and lack of opportunity have increased the number of orphans in Ghana, leaving multiple children without family or basic care. In many cases, children travel to larger cities such as Accra and Kumasi in search for stability, but find themselves living on the streets in cruel and unbearable living situations. Helping Abroad partners with several orphanage homes and nonprofit organizations to provide these children with safe environments, basic necessities, education, love and support. Unfortunately, orphanages in Ghana are lacking funds, staff, amenities and governmental support and desperately need your help. As a volunteer in Ghana working in an orphanage, you can help local staff provide these children with the opportunity to live healthy, safe and productive childhoods. Your presence and friendship for the children will give them hope for a brighter future and confidence to live as proud Ghanaians.
Educational Requirements and Project Skills
No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in an orphanage in Ghana. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.
Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer
As a volunteer in an orphanage in Ghana, you can who help children educationally, socially, and physically as you work as a role model, buddy and teacher for those who need it the most. Volunteers will work on a variety of activities depending on individual skills and interests such as:
- Being a friend to the children
- Making them smile
- Teaching English
- Teaching other subjects such as math, science and physical education
- Helping students successfully finish their homework
- Promoting health, nutrition and sanitation
- Singing songs and playing music/instruments
- Helping children with art projects and drawing
- Playing games and sports
- Teaching children personal hygiene
- Reinforcing life skills and chores such as cleaning and cooking
- Teaching children to how to garden
- Working on maintenance such as painting, building, and other activities to improve the facilities
- Assisting the orphanage administration with tasks such as fundraising, organization, etc.
- Assisting local staff in various daily activities
Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will get your work schedule from the local orphanage staff. You're expected to work 3 to 4 hours daily from Monday to Friday. If you have a desire to work on weekends, you are more than welcome. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline, the project coordinator might also ask for help with other projects as well.
Teaching English in Schools (Accra area, Kumasi) in Ghana
Like almost everywhere in the world, the demand for English is on the rise in Ghana. As international tourism, trade and international relations increase, so does the importance of English as a second language. Unfortunately, poorer children are left without the opportunity to learn English and as a result, many poor Ghanaians are left with decreased hope of employment opportunities. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in Ghana to teach English so you can open doors for eager students and enhance their futures. Many schools in Ghana lack funding and qualified English teachers and highly appreciate the time and dedication put forth by every volunteer teaching English in Ghana. Not only will you enhance the lives of your students, you have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself into daily Ghanaian culture and explore vibrant Africa.
Educational Requirements and Project Skills
No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the teaching English project in Ghana. You're expected to have a solid knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and teach local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve the people of Ghana within a new culture and religion.
Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer
As a volunteer teaching English in Ghana, your experience will be valuable for both you and your students. Depending on skills and interests, volunteers teaching English in Ghana will work closely with local teachers and follow the set Ghanaian English curriculum. Daily activities may include:
- Teaching basic English
- Aiding local teachers with lessons and activities
- Teaching other subjects such as math or science
- Organizing extracurricular activities such as music, dancing, sports, art, games, etc.
- Teaching life skills such as basic business, painting, sewing, cooking, etc.
- Teaching basic health and sanitation
- Fundraising for educational programs
- Assisting with local curriculum development
- Maintaining the schools
- Playing with the children
- Assisting school/organization staff with local projects
Please Note: The teaching schedule is very flexible. You will receive direction from local school/organization staff. You’re expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will have enough time to go on holidays and explore Ghana’s tourism. In addition, Ghana has 3 academic semesters a year:
1st TERM:
Start Date: January 10 to April 12
School Holiday: April 13 to May 1
2nd TERM:
Start Date: May 2 to August 4
School Holiday: August 5 to September 12
3rd TERM:
Start Date: September 13 to December 15
School Holiday: December 16 to January 1
These dates can change. During the school holidays, volunteers will have a chance to explore the country and Ghanaian culture.
Healthcare/Medical Project (Accra area)
Are you pursing a medical/healthcare career and want to explore the world? Volunteer in Ghana in the Healthcare and Medical Project to gain professional medical experience, discover Ghana’s diverse and vibrant culture and most importantly, enrich the lives of Ghanaians. With Helping Abroad in Ghana, you can combine philanthropy, tourism and valuable career experiences all into one. Helping Abroad is currently partnering with hospitals, clinics and nonprofit organizations that urgently need the help of international volunteers to provide adequate healthcare to Ghanaians. As a volunteer in Ghana working in the Healthcare and Medical Project, you will work alongside local doctors and nurses and promote basic health, sanitation, disease prevention, family planning and much more throughout the community. Many people in Ghana have little to no access to healthcare, but with the help of volunteers, local organizations and clinics/hospitals can reach more people. Many clinics and hospitals lack financial and human resources, therefore your time and dedication is greatly needed to help provide crucial treatment and community education. This is the perfect project to directly impact the lives of others while at the same time, exploring an exotic and beautiful African country.
Educational Requirements and Project Skills
To be a medical volunteer in Ghana and work in clinics and hospitals, you must submit proof of a medical certification such as a medical ID, EMT, paramedic, nursing, etc. Due to liabilities, volunteers must be healthcare professionals and those who lack medical credentials may not participate in this project. You must be flexible when dealing with organizations, doctors, curses and patients. For this project volunteers must be open minded, patient, enthusiastic, hardworking, resourceful, and willing to learn. Helping Abroad will require a copy of volunteer’s credentials, resume and qualifications. Depending on your host organization, additional application materials may be required.
Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer
As a medical and healthcare volunteer in Ghana, activities will vary greatly depending on volunteer qualification and experience. Volunteers may just observe doctors/nurses or they may provide direct patient care. Volunteer duties may include:
- Observing local doctors/nurses
- Providing basic care
- Assisting doctors and nurses with patients
- Administering medicines
- Learning from doctors and nurses
- Recording patient details
- Taking vital details such as height, weight, blood pressure, etc.
- Promoting disease prevention
- Organizing and leading educational workshops and training
- Promoting personal hygiene and sanitation such as clean water, food and nutrition
- Assisting clinics and hospitals with administrative tasks
- Assisting with vaccinations
- Observing basic functions of clinics and hospitals
- Traveling to remote locations to help provide care to rural Ghanaians
- Teaching the importance of family planning
- Aiding doctors, nurses and local staff with anything they may need
- Maintaining and cleaning hospital/clinic areas
Please Note:The above examples of activities may vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the hospital and/or clinic. You will be provided with a very flexible schedule from local staff so you can adjust in the new environment. Along with Helping Abroad in-country staff, these counterparts will support you throughout your project. You will normally work for 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. All other time you are free to relax and explore the beautiful country of Ghana.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Project (Accra area)
Volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Ghana and help to prevent the tragic endemic. In 2009, UNICEF estimated that about 300,000 Ghanaians of all ages are living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers are urgently needed to educate Ghanaians on the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS and to provide support to those who are already infected. HIV/AIDS is brutal and grave in Ghana, crumbling families and deteriorating communities. Helping Abroad is collaborating with local organizations to spread education on HIV/AIDS awareness and relieve those who are already infected with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers help local staff educate locals by working with community groups, schools and clinics on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS as well as other STD and disease preventions. In addition, volunteers help to provide support and hope to the sick so they may lead comfortable and productive lives. As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Ghana, you can use the power of education to save lives while providing reassurance and care to Ghanaians who are regrettably living with the disease.
Educational Requirements and Project Skills
No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Ghana. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for helping others, a genuine interest in disease prevention, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.
Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer
Each volunteer in Ghana working in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project will participate in a wide range of activities, depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. Activities may include:
- Counseling infected patients
- Working with community groups
- Preparing materials for educating communities about HIV/AIDS
- Educating locals about the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS
- Taking care of infected Ghanaians
- Helping to provide medication to fight health concerns such as fevers, coughing, diarrhea, etc.
- Leading and participating in support groups
- Supporting infected families with basic necessities
- Maintaining and constructing clinics
Please Note:The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities.
Major FAQ's
- Who will meet me in airport? What should I do if I am delayed or miss my flight? When should I arrive?
Please book your flight to the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, which is the pick-up point for all Helping Abroad volunteers in Ghana. The Helping Abroad country coordinator will be waiting for you at the "Arrival" gate. Please look for a person with both the Helping Abroad company logo and your name on a sign card. In case your contact person is not there, please contact the Helping Abroad office and we will immediately follow up on your contact persons’ whereabouts. Coordinators’ contact details are available in the pre-departure handbook. If your flight is delayed, immediately contact Helping Abroad so we can make adjustments to your program. Helping Abroad will be responsible for creating the necessary changes in your program.
The program fee covers expenses from the first day of the program to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program and/or stay beyond the last day of the program, you will be responsible for these expenses.
- What are the visa requirements to volunteer in Ghana?
Volunteers must acquire a tourist Visa in their home country prior to departure for Ghana. Please find more information regarding the visa requirements for Ghana on the web.
- What do I need to know about health and safety in Ghana?
Volunteers should be aware of all health and safety information before traveling to Ghana. You can read about health and safety in Ghana on the websites listed below:
- What immunizations/vaccinations are recommended before arriving to Ghana?
We strongly recommend that volunteers obtain vaccinations before arriving in Ghana. You can speak with your health-care provider to determine which vaccinations you will need. Please read CDC recommendations about vaccinations and preventive medicine:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/Ghana.htm
- What is the local currency and exchange rate?
The Ghanaian cedi (GHS) is the official currency of the country. You can find the exchange rate of Ghanaian cedi online here. You can exchange money when you arrive at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra and ATM machines are widely available. ATM cards are the best way to get money and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some larger cities. It is a good idea to carry a credit card for large purchases and emergencies. Make sure you notify your bank that you will be out of the country and give them your expected arrival/departure dates. This will prevent your account from being locked and you will be advised about any fraudulent charges.
Please visit XE, a privately held online foreign exchange tool for rates.
XE.com
- How can I communicate with my family/friends while I am abroad? Is there internet access?
If you have an unlocked cell phone that contains a SIM card, we recommend that you bring it because you can buy a Ghanaian SIM card upon arrival. Phones are important to have for safety and communication with family and Helping Abroad staff. Internet cafes are widely available in larger cities, but less available in rural towns. You will have placement details in your pre-departure packet.
- How is the climate in Ghana?
Ghana is a tropical country close to the equator with sunshine year around and has a rainy season from April to June.
For accurate weather please visit ACCU Weather (http://www.accuweather.com )
- What should I bring?
You can purchase basic necessities in Ghana at reasonable prices, but we suggest bringing the following:
- An unlocked mobile phone (you can use it after buying a Ghanaian card)
- Camera
- Sleeping bag
- Mosquito repellent
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Books about Ghana
- Map of Ghana
- Toiletries
- First aid kit
- Flash light
- Electricity adapter/converter
- Sun glasses
- Good shoes (for work and travel)
- Towel
- Should I bring gifts for my host family?
You are not required to bring a gift but it is common courtesy as a token of appreciation for hosting you. If you are working in orphanages or schools, you can bring items such as school supplies and games. Remember that many children will desire what you bring, so you may want to bring a large amount of one item (pencils, pens, notebooks, games, art supplies, etc).
NOTE:Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is derived from generic information about the country, and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly, and the information contained here may not be up to date. Participants should consult Helping Abroad staff or travel advisors to verify this information
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